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PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING 



Pistol and Revolver 
Shooting 



A. LfAfHIMMELWRIGHT 



Illustrated 




0-U-W-N-6 
HANDBOOKS 



Number 34 




NEW YORK 

OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY 

MCMXVI 



6»Vin5 
..ttn 



Copyright, 1904, by 
The Macmillan Co. 

Copyright, 1908, by 
A. L. A. Himmelwright 



Copyright, 1915, by 
OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY 



All rights reserved 



Fully Revised 



PREFACE 

INTEREST in pistol and revolver shooting has 
increased very rapidly in recent years and par- 
ticularly since smokeless powder has been intro- 
duced. 

The revolver and the magazine pistol now consti- 
tute part of the regular equipment of army and navy 
officers and cavalry troops. Regulations governing 
practice shooting with these arms have been issued and 
adopted by both branches of the service and by the 
National Guard of the various States. In the Na- 
tional Rifle Association and in the various State rifle 
associations that have recently been organized, pistol 
and revolver shooting has an important place, and the 
matches provided are largely patronized. In the nu- 
merous civilian shooting clubs scattered throughout 
the country pistol and revolver shooting has become 
extremely popular, and in many cases the majority of 
the members practice more frequently with the smaller 
arms than with the rifle. 

Practice with the pistol and revolver affords training 
in sighting, steady holding, and pulling the trigger, 
which are the essential features of rifle shooting also. 



6 PREFACE 

On account of this relation, and the fact that skill 
with these arms can be instantly utilized in rifle 
shooting, the development of marksmanship with the 
pistol and revolver assumes national importance. 

While numerous standard works have been written 
on the subject of rifle shooting, there is comparatively 
little information available on pistol and revolver 
shooting. The object of this volume is to supply prac- 
tical information on this subject. The author has 
attempted to treat the subject in a clear and concise 
manner, keeping the size of the volume as small as 
practicable and so as to be conveniently carried in the 
pocket. Particular pains have been taken to give sound 
advice and elementary instruction to beginners. 

The author extends his grateful acknowledgments 
to Baron Speck von Sternburg, Messrsr. J. B. Crab- 
tree, John T. Humphrey, William E. Carlin, Chas. 
S. Axtell, Walter Winans, Walter G. Hudson, Ed. 
Taylor, J. E. Silliman, M. Hays, and the various arms 
and ammunition manufacturers referred to herein, 
for valuable assistance, suggestions, information and 
data in preparing this volume. 

A. L. A. HlMMELWRIGHT. 

Stockholm, N. J. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER PAGE 

I. Introductory and Historical . 13 

II. Arms 17 

III. Ammunition 37 

IV. Sights 62 

V. Shooting Position ..... 67 

VI. Target-Shooting ...... 70 

VII. Targets 86 

VIII. Target Practice ...... 94 

IX. Revolver Practice for the Police . 99 

X. Pistol Shooting for Ladies . . . 107 

XI. Clubs and Ranges 111 

XII. Hints to Beginners 122 

XIII. Reloading Ammunition .... 147 

Appendix 167 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Smith & Wesson .38-Caliber Revolver 

■ " " " " i- 

} " 24 



Colt Army Special Revolver I .facing page 22 

Smith & Wesson .44-Caliber Revolver J 

Colt New Service Revolver 

Smith & Wesson Russian Model Revolver 
Colt Single Action Revolver 

Webley & Scott " W. S." Model Revolver, 1 

Webley & Fosbury Automatic Revolver... > u 26 

Colt Automatic Pistol J 

Parabellum or "Luger" Automatic Pistol. "^ 

Webley & Scott Automatic Pistol > " 28 

Mauser Automatic Pistol J 

Smith & Wesson Pistol ~) 

Remington Pistol > " " 30 

Stevens Pistol, Gould Model. J 

Adolph Weber Pistol ^ 

Gastinne-Renette Pistol I lt it 

Colt Automatic Target Pistol [ 3 

Colt Police Positive Revolver J 

Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector Revolver 
Smith & Wesson Double Action Perfect- 
ed Revolver 

Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless Re- 
volver 

Smith & Wesson Pocket Revolver 



y " " 34 



Colt Police Positive Target Revolver. ^ 

Stevens Diamond Model Pistol >. . " " 36 

Colt Automatic Pocket Pistol J 

Colt Automatic Pocket Pistol ^ 

Savage Automatic Pocket Pistol V" " 38 

Smith & Wesson Automatic Pocket Pistol. J 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Military Sights page 62 

Paine Sights I ts ~ 

Patridge Sights... f 3 

Th?We^^ \ facing page 64 

Walter Winans, C S. Axtell, Thomas 

Anderton " " 68 

John A. Dietz, E. E. Patridge, Sergt. W. 

E. Petty " M 72 

J. E. Gorman, R. H. Sayre, A. P. Lane.... " " 76 

J. H. Snook, George Armstrong, P. J. 

Dolfen " " 78 

Standard American Target page 87 

U. S. R. A. Combination Target " 88 

The International Union Target " 89 

Target L. (U. S. Army) " 91 

Combination Set: Revolver, Pistol, Utensils, and 

Case " 109 

Details of Alternating Targets, Pit, etc., for 50- 
yard Range " 114 

Details of Booths at Firing Line, " Trolleys," and 

Butts for Gallery Ranges " 117 

Shooting Gallery of the Crescent Athletic 

Club, Brooklyn, N. Y facing page 120 

Correct Manner of Holding the Revolver " " 124 

Correct Position of the Sights in Aiming at the 

Target page 128 

Showing the Travel of the Line of the Sights 

About the Bullseye in Aiming " 130 

Moulding Bullets " 151 



PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING 



CHAPTER I 

INTRODUCTORY AND HISTORICAL 

PISTOL shooting has been practiced ever 
since " grained " gunpowder came into 
general use. It is only recently, how- 
ever, that it has developed into a popular pas- 
time and has been recognized as a legitimate 
sport.* 

The useful and practical qualities of the 
pistol and revolver have been developed al- 
most wholly during the last half-century. 
Before this period the small arms designed to 
be fired with one hand were crude and inaccu- 
rate, and were intended to be used only at 
short range as weapons of defense. The 
single-barreled muzzle-loading pistol has, 
nevertheless, been part of the army and navy 
officer's equipment since the sixteenth century. 
These pistols were of large caliber, smooth- 

*The first pistols of which there is any authentic in- 
formation were made about 1540 by one Caminelleo Vitelli 
at Pistoia, Italy, from which place the arm took its name. 



14 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

bored, heavy, and unwieldy. The load was a 
spherical bullet and a large charge of powder. 
Enough accuracy was obtained to hit a man 
at 15 to 20 paces, which was deemed sufficient. 
The usefulness of these arms in action was 
limited to the firing of a single shot, and then 
using them as missiles or clubs. 

The pistol in early days was considered a 
gentleman's arm — a luxury. It was the arm 
generally selected for duelling when that code 
was in vogue, the contestants standing 10 to 
20 paces apart and firing at the word of com- 
mand. 

The development of the pistol has been con- 
temporaneous and closely identified with that 
of the rifle. With the grooving or rifling of 
the barrel, the accuracy was greatly improved 
and the arm adapted to conical bullets. Al- 
though numerous attempts were made to devise 
a multishot arm with flint, wheel, and match 
locks, it was not until the percussion cap was 
invented that a practicable arm of this char- 
acter was produced. This was a "revolver" 
invented by Colonel Colt of Hartford, Conn., 
in 1835, and consisted of a single barrel with 
a revolving cylinder at the breech containing 
the charges, the mechanism being such that the 
cocking of the piece after each discharge re- 



INTRODUCTORY 15 

volved the cylinder sufficiently to bring a 
loaded chamber in line with the barrel. 

The greatest advance in the development of 
firearms was the introduction of the system of 
breech-loading, employing ammunition in the 
form of cartridges. This principle rendered 
the operation of loading much simpler and 
quicker, and vastly improved the efficiency and 
general utility of the arms.* 

The present popularity of pistol and re- 
volver shooting is due, no doubt, to recent 
improvements in the arms and ammunition. 
The arms are now marvels of fine workman- 
ship, easy to manipulate, durable, and ex- 
tremely accurate. With the introduction of 
smokeless powders, the smoke, fouling, and 
noise have been reduced to a minimum. The 
effect of these improvements has been, not 
only to increase the efficiency of the arms, but 
also the pleasure of shooting them. 

As a sport, pistol shooting has much to com- 
mend it. It is a healthful exercise, being prac- 

*For a detailed history of the evolution of the pistol 
and revolver, the reader is referred to " Text-book for 
Officers at Schools of Musketry," Longman & Co., Lon- 
don; " Kriegstechnische Zeitschrift," Heft I and II, 1901, 
Mittler & Sohn, Berlin ; " The Modern American Pistol 
and Revolver," Bradlee Whidden, Boston. Many inter- 
esting specimens of ancient and modern pistols and re- 
volvers are owned and exhibited by the United States 
Cartridge Company of Lowell, Mass. 



16 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

ticed out-of-doors in the open air. There are 
no undesirable concomitants, such as gambling, 
coarseness, and rough and dangerous play. In 
order to excel, regular and temperate habits 
of life must be formed and maintained. It 
renders the senses more alert and trains them 
to act in unison and in harmony. But, above 
all, skill in shooting is a useful accomplish- 
ment. 

Anyone possessing ordinary health and 
good sight may, by practice, become a good 
pistol shot. Persons who are richly endowed 
by nature with those physical qualities which 
specially fit them for expert shooting will, of 
course, master the art sooner than those less 
favored; but it has been conclusively shown 
that excellence is more a question of training 
and practice than of natural gift. Some of the 
most brilliant shooting has been done by per- 
sons possessing a decidedly nervous tempera- 
ment; but those of phlegmatic temperament 
will generally make more uniform and reliable 
marksmen. 

It is much more difficult to shoot well with 
the pistol or revolver than with the rifle. The 
latter, having a stock to rest against the shoul- 
der and steady one end of the piece, has a 
decided advantage in quick aiming and in pull- 



INTRODUCTORY 17 

ing the trigger. The former, without a stock 
and being held in one hand with the arm ex- 
tended so as to be free from the body, is with- 
out any anchor or support whatever, and is 
free to move in all directions. Consequently 
the least jar, jerk in pulling the trigger, puff 
of wind, or unsteadiness of the hand greatly 
disturbs the aim. Intelligent practice will, 
however, overcome these difficulties and disad- 
vantages to such a degree that an expert shot 
with a pistol or revolver under favorable con- 
ditions can equal a fair shot with a rifle at the 
target up to 200 yards. When the novice 
essays to shoot the pistol or revolver, the re- 
sults are generally disappointing and discour- 
aging; but rapid progress invariably rewards 
the efforts of those who persevere, and when 
once thoroughly interested in this style of 
shooting, there comes a fascination for it that 
frequently endures throughout a lifetime. 



CHAPTER II 

ARMS 

THE term " pistol " is frequently applied 
indiscriminately to the single-shot pistol 
and the revolver. A marked distinction 
between these arms has gradually been devel- 
oped. 

The pistol is now recognized as a single-shot 
arm, adapted for a light charge and designed 
to secure extreme accuracy. Its use is limited 
almost exclusively to target and exhibition 
shooting. 

The modern revolver is an arm with a re- 
volving cylinder holding five or six cartridges, 
which are at the instant command of the shooter 
before it is necessary to reload. It is designed 
for heavy charges, and is a practical and for- 
midable weapon. Revolvers are made in great 
variety, and adapted for various purposes, such 
as military service, target shooting, pocket 
weapons, etc. The best grades of pistols and 
revolvers may be had at a reasonable price. 
The cheap grades with which the market is at 

18 



ARMS 19 

all times flooded should be avoided. They are 
incapable of doing good work, and frequently 
are positively dangerous, on account of being 
made of inferior materials. 

The magazine or automatic pistol is the 
latest type of hand firearm. It is a multi- 
shot pistol in which the mechanism is operated 
automatically by the recoil. Pulling the trig- 
ger is the only manual operation necessary to 
fire successive shots until the supply of car- 
tridges in the magazine (usually six to ten) is 
exhausted. The first models were introduced 
about 1898. These had many defects and ob- 
jections, such as failure to function regularly, 
danger in manipulation due to insufficient 
safety devices, poor balance, unsightly lines, 
etc. Nevertheless the advantages of this type 
of arm over the revolver for military purposes 
in effective range, rapidity of fire, accuracy, 
interchangeability, etc., were soon recognized 
and manufacturers were encouraged to improve 
and perfect them. 

Practically all the mechanical defects re- 
ferred to have been corrected, the balance and 
the lines improved, and safety devices intro- 
duced so that these arms are now well adapted 
for military use and are rapidly superseding 
the revolver as service weapons in the United 



20 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

States army and navy. A synopsis of the se- 
vere tests leading to the adoption of a maga- 
zine pistol by the War Department of the 
United States government may be found in 
the Appendix. 

Military Arms. — The revolver and the 
magazine pistol are used for military service. 
To fulfill the requirements these arms must be 
strong, very durable, and withstand a great 
amount of hard usage without becoming dis- 
abled. The effectiveness, or " stopping power," 
is of prime importance. The caliber should be 
large, the bullet should have a blunt point, and 
the powder charge should be sufficiently pow- 
erful to give a penetration of at least six inches 
in pine. There was a tendency some years ago 
to reduce the caliber of military revolvers. 
While this resulted in increased velocity and 
penetration, and reduced the weight of the 
ammunition, it did not improve the stopping 
power of the arms. 

The ineffectiveness of the .38-caliber service 
revolver charge was frequently complained of 
by the officers and men serving in the Philip- 
pine Islands. This was due to the light pow- 
der charge and the conoidal shaped point of 
the bullet. To remedy this weakness .45-cali- 
ber revolvers were issued for the Philippine 



ARMS 21 

service, and a new .45-caliber cartridge de- 
signed to which magazine pistol manufacturers 
were invited to adapt an arm. Unfortunately 
this new cartridge, which is now the service 
ammunition, has also a conoidal pointed bullet, 
is not well proportioned, and consequently de- 
velops only a part of its stopping power pos- 
sibilities. 

The sights must in all cases be very sub- 
stantial, and solidly fixed to the frame or bar- 
rel. The trigger pull varies from 4 to 8 
pounds, the barrel from 4 to 73/2 inches in 
length, and the weight from 2 to 2}i pounds. 
Ammunition loaded with smokeless powder is 
now invariably used for military service. 

The service revolvers still in use in the 
United States army and navy are the Smith & 
Wesson and Colt, both .38 caliber, and taking 
the same ammunition. They have passed the 
prescribed series of tests as established by the 
United States government,* and as improved 
and perfected represent, without doubt, the 
highest development of the military revolver. 

These arms, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, have 
solid frames, and the actions are almost iden- 
tical, the cylinder swinging out to the left, on 

* See Ordnance Reports, Department of War, Wash- 
ington, D. C, for complete details of tests, etc. 



22 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

a hinge, when released by a catch. The shells 
may then be extracted simultaneously by push- 
ing back the extractor rod. The Smith & 
Wesson has an additional hinge-locking de- 
vice in front of the cylinder. The Colt has an 
automatic safety lock between the hammer and 
the frame, permitting discharge only when the 
trigger is pulled. Apart from these features 
there is very little difference between these 
arms. 

The Smith & Wesson .44-caliber Military 
Revolver is the latest model of the large cali- 
ber revolvers. Its action and general lines are 
the same as the .38-caliber military, but it is 
a larger, heavier, and more powerful weapon. 

Other excellent military revolvers are the 
Colt New Service and the Smith & Wesson 
Russian model, usually in .45 caliber and .44 
caliber, respectively. The ammunition for 
these arms was formerly loaded with black 
powder; but smokeless cartridges have been 
adapted to them, which give slightly increased 
velocity and the same accuracy. (See Fig. 4, 
facing p. 24.) 

The Smith & Wesson Russian model has a 
hinge " tip-up " action, with an automatic eject- 
ing device. The action is operated by raising 
a catch in front of the hammer. It is easy to 
manipulate and, on account of the accessibility 




Fig. 1.— SMITH & 
WESSON 38 cal. MILI- 
TARY REVOLVER 

Six shots; 6% inch barrel; 
weight, 1 lb., 15 oz. 




Fig. 2.— COLT ARMY 
SPECIAL REVOLVER 

Six shots; 6 inch barrel; 
weight, 2 lbs 3 oz.,. 3 8 cal. 




Fig 3.— SMITH & 
WESSON .44 cal. MILL 
TARY REVOLVER. 

Six shots; 6^ inch barrel 
weight 2 lbs. 6*2 oz. 



ARMS 23 

of the breech, the barrel can be readily in- 
spected and cleaned. This arm is single action. 
(See Fig. 5, facing p. 24.) 

The action of the Colt New Service is sim- 
ilar to that of the .38-caliber revolver shown 
in Fig. 2, with a solid frame. It is double 
action. 

The Colt Officer's Model is identical in every 
respect with the Army Special except that it 
is fitted with adjustable target sights and 
may be had with lengths of barrel up to 7^ 
inches. 

The foregoing arms, with good ammunition, 
are capable of making groups of ten shots on 
a 3-inch circle at 50 yards. 

The Colt single action Army is the most 
popular belt or holster weapon among ranch- 
men, cowboys, prospectors, and others. It has 
a solid frame, simple mechanism, and is ex- 
ceedingly durable and reliable. The arm is 
operated by opening a gate on the right-hand 
side, back of the cylinder. The cartridges are 
inserted in the cylinder through the gate, the 
cylinder being revolved by hand until the re- 
spective chambers come opposite the gate. In 
the same manner the shells are ejected by push- 
ing the extractor rod back into each of the 
chambers. (See Fig. 6, facing p. 24.) 

The Smith & Wesson Schofield Model, .45 



24 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

caliber, was formerly a United States service 
weapon. The ammunition for this arm, while 
less powerful than the .45 Colt, was admir- 
ably adapted for military service, and had 
much less recoil. 

The Webley & Scott W. S. Model revolver 
is an English arm of much merit. The caliber 
is .455. It has a hinge "tip-up " action, with 
an automatic extractor very similar to the 
Smith & Wesson. (See Fig. 7, facing p. 26.) 

The service weapon adopted by the Joint 
War Office and Admiralty Committee for the 
British army and navy is the Webley & Scott 
" Mark IV," or " Service Model," revolver. 
This model is almost identical with the W. S. 
Model, except that the barrel is 4 inches long 
and the weight is 2 lbs, 3 oz. On account of 
the short barrel, the accuracy of this weapon 
does not equal that of the W. S. Model. 

Another English arm is the " Webley-Fos- 
bury " automatic revolver. The recoil revolv- 
ing the cylinder and cocking the hammer, it can 
be fired as rapidly as the automatic pistols. It 
is chambered for the .455 service cartridge 
loaded with $y 2 grains of cordite. This arm 
has been introduced since 1900. (See Fig. 8, 
facing p. 26.) 

Among the leading magazine or automatic 
pistols used for military service are the Colt, 



ARMS 25 

Luger, Webley & Scott, Savage, Mauser, 
Knoble, Bergmann, White-Merrill, Steyr, 
Mannlicher, Mors and Bayard. Most of these 
arms were tested by the United States goven- 
ment * previous to the adoption of the Colt as 
the service weapon of the U. S. Army and 
Navy. (See Fig. 9, facing p. 26.) 

The Luger has been adopted as the service 
weapon by Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, 
Bulgaria, Holland, and Brazil. (See Fig. 10, 
facing p. 28.) 

The Webley-Scott (.455 caliber) was adopt- 
ed as the service arm by the British navy in 
191 1, and the .32-caliber (weight 1 lb. 2 oz.) 
is now the adopted arm of the London City 
and Metropolitan police forces. (See Fig. 11, 
facing p. 28.) 

In most of these weapons, including the 
Colt, Webley & Scott, Luger, and Steyr pis- 
tols, the cartridges are inserted in magazines 
which feed them into the breech through the 
handle. In the Mauser pistol the cartridges 
are supplied through clips from the top and 
forced into a magazine located in front of the 
trigger. (See Fig. 12, facing p. 28.) 

The magazine pistols can be fired at the 
rate of about five shots per second. These 
arms equal the best military revolvers in accu- 
racy. 

♦See Appendix for digest of these tests. 



26 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Many persons believe that the magazine pis- 
tol will soon supersede the revolver for general 
use. While this may be the case eventually, 
it is not likely to occur within the next few 
years. The magazine pistol is more complicated, 
and consequently more difficult to learn to shoot 
with and care for, than the revolver. On ac- 
count of the special problems to be solved in 
the mechanism, many of them balance poorly 
and the trigger pull is almost invariably long 
and creeping. The novice will also find it diffi- 
cult to avoid flinching in shooting these arms, 
on account of the recoil mechanism, louder re- 
port, etc. The line of sight being consider- 
ably higher than the grip, if they are not held 
perfectly plumb, or in the same position at 
each shot, the shooting is liable to be irregu- 
lar. The cost is more than that of a good re- 
volver. Until these undesirable features can 
be remedied or eliminated, the revolver will 
probably remain a popular arm. 

Target Arms. — For target purposes the 
greatest possible accuracy is desirable. To ob- 
tain this, many features essential in a military 
arm are sacrificed. Delicate adjustable sights 
are employed, the trigger pull is reduced, the 
length of the barrel is increased, the charge 
reduced, etc. 




Fig. 7.— WEBLEY & 
SCOTT "W.S." MODEL 
REVOLVER 

Six shots; 7% inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 
7 oz. ; .455 cal. 




Fig. 8.— WEBLEY & 
FOSBURY AUTOMATIC 
REVOLVER. 



Six shots ; 6 
weight, 2 lbs 
.455 cal. 



inch barrel ; 
10 oz. 



Fig. 9.— COLT AUTO- 
MATIC PISTOL. 

Seven shots; 5 inch barrel; 
weight, 2 lbs. 7oz. ; .45 cal. 



Fig. 4.— COLT NEW 
SERVICE REVOLVER 




Six shots; $% inch barrel 
weight, 2 lbs., 8 oz. ; 
.45 cal. 




Fig. 5.— SMITH &. 
WESSON RUSSIAN 
MODEL REVOLVER 

Six shots; 6V2 inch barrel; weight, 39^oz. 
.44 cal. 



Fig. 6.— COLT SINGLE 
ACTION REVOLVER 

Six shots; 5% inch barrel; 
weight, 2 lbs. 6 oz. ; .45 cal. 






ARMS 27 

The most accurate arms available at the 
present time are the single-shot pistols manu- 
factured by Smith & Wesson, Springfield, 
Mass., The J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co., Chic- 
opee Falls, Mass. ; Fred Adolph, Genoa, N. Y. 
These pistols are furnished in calibers from .22 
rim-fire to .38 central-fire. The barrels are gen- 
erally 10 inches in length and the trigger pull 2 
pounds. In the latest approved form these pis- 
tols are of .22 caliber specially bored and cham- 
bered for the rim-fire, .22 caliber long rifle cart- 
ridge. This is a light, clean, pleasant shooting 
charge, and may be fired many times with very 
little fatigue. Pistol shooting with arms of this 
caliber is rapidly becoming a popular pastime 
for ladies as well as gentlemen. 

The Smith & Wesson pistol has a tip-up 
action and an automatic extractor. It is made 
of the best materials and with the greatest care. 
The fitting and workmanship are superior to 
that of any other machine-made pistol. The 
action is similar to that of the Russian Model 
revolver. (See Fig. 13, facing p. 30.) 

The Stevens pistols were formerly furnished 
in three models and for many years they have 
enjoyed merited popularity for target shoot- 
ing among the leading marksmen. This pistol 
is now supplied only in the No. 35 or " Off- 



28 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

hand Target Model," which like the earlier 
models has a tip-up action and an automatic 
extractor. A small knob on the left side is 
pressed to release the barrel and operate the 
action. (See Fig. 14, facing p. 30.) 

The Remington pistol has an exceedingly 
strong action, and is the only machine-made 
pistol with an action adapted for regulation .44, 
.45, and .50 caliber cartridges. It has a large 
handle and a heavy barrel. The action is op- 
erated when the hammer is at full-cock by 
throwing back the breech-block with the thumb, 
simultaneously ejecting the empty shell. Un- 
fortunately the manufacture of these weapons 
has recently been discontinued. (See Fig. 15, 
facing p. 30.) 

The Adolph- Weber pistol designed by M. 
Casimir Weber, of Zurich, Switzerland, is a 
high grade hand-made arm that can be supplied 
by Mr. Fred Adolph in accordance with any 
specifications that the marksman may desire. 
Fig. 16 illustrates it conforming to the rules and 
regulations of the U. S. Revolver Association. 
It has a strong, durable, tip-up action resemb- 
ling in principle that of the Stevens, and when 
closed the barrel is securely locked in position 
by a cross bolt, actuated by a button on the left 
side. (See Fig. 16, facing p. 32.) 

The Adolph-Martini is a weapon de luxe 



Fig. 10.- -THE PARA- 
BELLUM OR 
"LUGER" AUTO- 
MATIC PISTOL 

Eight shots ; 4% inch barrel ; 
weight, 1 lb., 13.4 oz; .30 cal. 




Fig. ll.-WEBLEY 
& SCOTT AUTO- 
MATIC PISTOL 

Eight shots; 5 inch barrel; 
weight, 2 lbs ., 7% oz. ; .455 cal 




Fig. 12.— MAUSER 
AUTOMATIC PISTOL 

Ten shots; 5% inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 7% oz. 
.30 cal. 



ARMS 29 

that has been produced in the same manner as 
the Adolph- Weber, in which the action of the 
Martini rifle has been employed. It has double 
set triggers and is highly ornate. 

The Adolph "H. V." is a .22 caliber pistol 
adapted for a special high velocity cartridge 
developing a muzzle velocity of 2,000 ft. per 
second and an energy of 623 foot-pounds. 

With good ammunition all these pistols are 
capable of placing ten shots within a 2-inch 
circle at 50 yards. 

A very accurate pistol for gallery and short- 
range shooting is' made by M. Gastinne- 
Renette of Paris and used in his gallery in that 
city. These are muzzle-loading and are very 
tedious and inconvenient to manipulate. For this 
reason they have not become popular. A few of 
these arms have been made up as breech-loaders, 
with a tip-up action similar to the Stevens, but 
operated by a side lever under the hammer and 
chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge. In 
this form with gallery charges the pistol has 
given very good results. (See Fig. 17, facing 

P- 32.) 

The revolver is not quite as accurate as the 
pistol, on account of the necessity of having 
the cylinder detached from the barrel. If the 
pin on which the cylinder revolves is not at 
right angles with the end of the cylinder, there 



30 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

will be more space between the cylinder and the 
breech end of the barrel in some positions of 
the cylinder than in others. The result will be 
varying amounts of gas escaping from the dif- 
ferent chambers of the cylinder, and conse- 
quently irregular shooting. The accuracy of the 
revolver depends largely, too, upon the degree 
of perfection in which all the chambers of the 
cylinder align with the bore of the barrel at the 
instant of discharge. When the chambers do 
not align perfectly, the bullet enters the barrel 
eccentrically and a portion of it is shaved off. 
This is fatal to accuracy, especially when 
smokeless powder is used. Imperfect align- 
ment of chamber and barrel is also a frequent 
cause of the " leading " of the barrel. Some 
very ingenious mechanical expedients are used 
in the best revolvers to reduce to a minimum 
the wear of those parts which operate and hold 
the cylinder in position. 

The revolvers generally used for target 
shooting are the military arms already de- 
scribed, with longer barrels, chambered for 
special cartridges, fitted with target sights, 
special handles, and other modifications to suit 
the whims and tastes of individuals. 

Some of these modifications are distinctly ad- 
vantageous. One of the most recent fads is to 
skeletonize the hammer by boring away as much 



Fig. 13.— SMITH & WESSON 
PISTOL 

Ten-inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 8 3 /4 oz., .22 cal. 




Fig. 14 —STEVENS PISTOL 
GOULD MODEL 



Ten-inch barrel; weight, 1 lb. , 10 oz. ; .22 cal 




Fig. 15.— REMINGTON PISTOL 

Ten-inch barrel, weight, 2 lbs., 8 oz. ; 
.44 cal. 



ARMS 31 

metal as possible and to increase the tension of 
the main spring. The combined effect is almost 
instant response to the trigger pull. 

The best and most experienced shots are 
careful to keep the modifications of all their 
arms within the rules and regulations of the 
various national organizations,* in order that 
they may be used in the annual competitions 
and other important events. These organiza- 
tions control the pistol and revolver shooting, 
and conduct annual competitions. " Freak " 
arms which do not comply with the rules are 
not allowed in the competitions, are seldom 
practical, and have little or no value other than 
for experimental purposes. Target arms are 
generally used for trick and exhibition shoot- 
ing.f 

Pocket Arms. — The most extensive use of 
the revolver as a pocket weapon is for police 
service. Special arms are manufactured to 
meet the requirements. These weapons are 



*The United States Revolver Association, The National 
Rifle Association of Great Britain, and the United Shoot- 
ing Societies of France. For programmes and details, 
address the secretaries of the respective organizations. 

fFor descriptions and illustrations of this style of 
shooting, see " The Art of Revolver Shooting," by Wal- 
ter Winans (G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York and Lon- 
don). This elaborate work contains also much detailed 
information, valuable suggestions, and many interesting 
personal experiences in relation to revolver shooting* 



32 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

generally similar to the military revolvers, 
but smaller in size and adapted for lighter 
charges. All projections, such as sights, ham- 
mer, etc., must be eliminated or minimized so as 
not to catch in drawing the arm from the pocket 
or holster. The barrels are usually from 3 to 5 
inches in length, the trigger pull 4 pounds and 
the caliber .22 to .38. The larger calibers are 
much preferable for the general purposes of an 
arm of this character. The difference in weight 
is slight, while the power and effectiveness of 
the large calibers is important and a great ad- 
vantage. 

The pocket arms shown in Figs. 18 and 19 
are practically reduced sizes of the military 
arms shown in Figs. 1 and 2. They have solid 
frames and actions identical with those of the 
military arms. The Smith & Wesson is made 
only in .32 caliber but the Colt may be had in 
.32 or .38. Both are double action. 

The Colt Police Special is similar in model 
to Fig. 18 but is slightly larger and heavier and 
can be had chambered for the powerful .38 
caliber Special, or the .32 caliber Winchester 
cartridges. 

The Smith & Wesson Double Action, Per- 
fected, is an improved model of this popular 
pocket weapon, having a double locking action. 
(See Fig. 20, facing p. 34.) 



Fig. 16— ADOLPH WEBER 
PISTOL 

Ten-inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs. 2 oz. , 
.22 cai. 




Fig. 17— GASTINNE - RENETTE 
PISTOL 

10 8 /i« inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs. 6 oz. ; .44 cal. 



Fig. 17a— COLT AUTO- 
MATIC TARGET PISTOL 

Ten shots; 6% inch barrel ; weight, 
28 oz.; .22 cal. 





) 

Fig. 18— COLT \^LJ 

POLICE 

POSITIVE 

REVOLVER 

Six shots; 4 inch barrel; weight, 
1 lb., 4 oz. ; .32 cal. 




ARMS 33 

One of the most popular pocket revolvers is 
the Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless. This 
arm has a safety latch in the back of the handle, 
so designed that unless the piece is properly 
held it is impossible to operate it. It has many 
valuable and desirable features to commend it 
as a practical pocket weapon and for home pro- 
tection. The standard length of barrel is 4 
inches. This arm is also furnished in .32 cali- 
ber. (See Fig. 21, facing p. 34.) 

With 4-inch barrels, the foregoing pocket 
weapons are capable of shooting regularly 
within a 2-inch circle at 20 yards. 

A heavier and correspondingly more power- 
ful Pocket revolver is the Colt " Double Ac- 
tion " revolver. This arm is chambered for the 
Colt .41 caliber short and long cartridges. It has 
a solid frame, and is operated exactly like the 
Colt Single Action Army Model (Fig 6). It 
is compact, strong, durable, and accurate. 

For many years there was no high grade .22 
caliber revolver on the market. Within the last 
few years two excellent arms in this caliber have 
been produced. The Smith & Wesson is sup- 
plied chambered only for the S. & W. long 
cartridges, but in two lengths of barrels; 3 
inches with fixed sights and 6 inches with target 
sights. The Colt is furnished only in one length 
of barrel, 6 inches, but chambered for any of the 



34 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

rim-fire cartridges, and the .32 caliber short and 
long Colt, central-fire cartridges. These arms 
with 6-inch barrels are extremely accurate, 
pleasant to shoot on account of the light recoil 
and the ammunition is inexpensive. They are 
well adapted for target shooting for ladies and 
excellent for small game shooting. (See Figs. 
22 and 23.) 

A very handy little arm to carry in the pock- 
et on hunting and fishing trips is the Stevens 
Diamond Model single-shot pistol. It is light 
in weight, very accurate, and low in cost. (See 
Fig. 24, facing p. 36.) 

All these .22 caliber arms can be depended 
on to kill grouse, ducks, rabbits, and other small 
game. The hollow-pointed bullet ammunition 
should be used, or the regular cartridge, with 
the front of the bullet cut off square, so as to 
leave a flat point. This will increase the killing 
effect of the bullet considerably. 

Magazine pistols of smaller size than the 
military arms have in recent years become pop- 
ular as pocket weapons. Such types as have 
safety devices to prevent discharge when the 
arm is not properly held for firing, are well 
adapted for this purpose. 

The Colt Pocket Models are made in .38 
caliber and ,32 caliber as shown in Fig. 25, and 






^ a c ? a & a 

« rt £ ^ 5 E 

£ §- w W gM 50 

o * H o X r 

« w *t 2 

& < £ 

O* W !> 

3 w 







ARMS 35 

in .25 caliber as illustrated in Fig. 26 (facing 
pp. 36 and 38.) 

The Savage Pocket Model is made in .38 
and .32 caliber using the same cartridge as the 
Colt. It has an automatic indicator showing 
when the arm is loaded. A recent improve- 
ment in this arm is a spur cocking lever which 
permits cocking with the thumb of the hand 
holding the weapon. (See Fig. 27, facing p. 

38.) 

The Smith & Wesson automatic is furnished 
only in .35 caliber. It has a wood stock backed 
by steel plates. The automatic safety in this arm 
is located in front of the trigger guard and 
is operated by the second finger. (See Fig. 28, 
facing p. 38.) 

As in the case of pocket revolvers, the larger 
calibers of the pocket automatic pistols will be 
found to have better stopping power and as 
practical weapons for use in case of emergency 
are to be preferred to the smaller calibers. 

Persons who have very limited use for a 
weapon as for home protection and occasional 
pocket use, especially when they do not expect 
to practice shooting with it regularly will find a 
suitable revolver much more servicable, safer, 
and generally more satisfactory than a maga- 
zine pistol. The latter on account of its more 



36 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

complicated and concealed' mechanism is liable 
to be left in an unserviceable condition for safety 
in the home (unloaded, magazines misplaced, 
etc.) and when needed, unfamiliarity with its 
manipulation not only causes delay in getting it 
in action but also is a fruitful source of accident. 
For the purpose referred to in this paragraph 
a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Safety Hammer- 
less, a .38 or .32 caliber Colt Police Positive, 
or a .32 caliber Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector 
with a 4-inch barrel and a 4-pound trigger pull 
in each case is recommended. Owners of such 
weapons for home or personal protection should 
practice with them occasionally, firing at least 
20 or 25 shots. A good range for such prac- 
tice is 20 to 30 feet. After using the arm it 
should in all cases be carefully cleaned and 
oiled as described under " Cleaning and Care 
of Arms." 



, 



Fig. 23— COLT POLICE 
POSITIVE TARGET 
REVOLVER 






TZ; 



Seven shots; 6 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb. , 6 oz. 
.22 and .32 cal. 




Fig. 24.— STEVENS 
DIAMOND MODEL 
PISTOL 

Six inch barrel; weight, 8% oz. 
. 22 cal. 




Fig. 25.— 
COLT AUTO- 
MATIC 
POCKET PISTOL 

Eight shots; 3% inch barrel; 
weight, 1 lb. , 7 oz. ; 
.32 and .38 cal. 



CHAPTER III 

AMMUNITION 

THE degree of perfection that has been 
attained in the manufacture of ammuni- 
tion is remarkable. Generally speaking, 
the smaller the charge the more difficult it is to 
make it accurate. Notwithstanding this, we 
have in the .22 caliber ammunition a tiny cart- 
ridge the accuracy of which falls little short of 
marvellous. 

Until 1907 black powder ammunition was 
used almost exclusively for pistol and revolver 
shooting. In central-fire ammunition smoke- 
less powders are now invariably used, especially 
in military shooting, where the regulation full 
charge is required. In the .22 caliber pistols, the 
fouling of the black powder is not a very ser- 
ious matter, and it is not uncommon to shoot 
fifty or a hundred rounds without the ne- 
cessity of cleaning. In the larger calibers, how- 
ever, the fouling is frequently so excessive that 
it affects the accuracy after the fifth shot. The 
incessant cleaning that is necessary in order to 

37 



38 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

get good results with black powder ammunition 
was a great drawback, and detracted much from 
the pleasure of revolver shooting. Fortunate- 
ly this objection is now entirely eliminated by 
the use of smokeless powders. 

Nearly all the cartridges referred to in this 
chapter were originally designed for black 
powder. The various manufacturers now sup- 
ply them loaded with smokeless powder at a 
very slight advance in price. The cartridges 
are loaded so as to give approximately the same 
velocity as the former black powder charges 
but the new charges are rarely the exact equiva- 
lent of the old ones. 

The accuracy and uniformity with the smoke- 
less powder was not at first equal to that of the 
black, but with a better knowledge of the action 
and behavior of the smokeless powders, these 
difficulties have been overcome and the smoke- 
less ammunition now gives not only superior 
accuracy and reliability, but also causes much 
less fouling and smoke and has a lighter report. 
In " gallery " ammunition light conical bullets 
have entirely superseded spherical bullets and 
smokeless powder is almost invariably used. 

To obtain the best results, the proportions 
of any charge must be adapted to the caliber, 
length of barrel, and weight of the arm in which 




Fig 26 

COLT 

AUTOMATIC 

POCKET 

PISTOL 

Seven shots; 2 inch barrel; weight, 
13 oz.. : 25 caL 




Fig. 27— 
SAVAGE 
AUTOMATIC 
POCKET PISTOL 

Ten shots; 4^ inch 
barrel; weight, 1 lb.. 
5 oz • .32 and .38 cal. 




Fig. 28.— 
SMITH & 
WESSON AUTO- 
MATIC POCKET 
PISTOL 

Eight shots; 3% inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 
7%oz.; .35 cal. 



AMMUNITION. 39 

it is to be used. These proportions are gener- 
ally determined by experiment. 

The accuracy of the cartridge depends large- 
ly upon the uniformity exercised in the op- 
erations of loading, the fit of the bullet, its 
shape, and the reliability and uniformity of the 
powder. The primer must be of uniform 
strength also, especially in reduced charges. In 
ammunition for military service the shells are 
crimped on the bullets to hold them in place. 
This does not increase the accuracy in black 
powder ammunition, but it is necessary and ad- 
vantageous in all smokeless ammunition in- 
cluding gallery charges, in order to confine the 
powder and produce uniform results. 

The following is a digest of the principal 
pistol and revolver cartridges in use at the 
present time. 

Rim-fire Cartridges. — These are primed with 
'a fulminate of mercury mixture around the 
outer edge of the rim, or base of the shell, and 
are generally loaded with Lesmok, semi-smoke- 
less, or black powder. 



Figure 29. 
The smallest and lightest charged ammuni- 
tion in general use is the .22 caliber. In this 



40 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

caliber the " C. B." or Conical Ball Cap loaded 
with black powder is the smallest practicable 
cartridge. The charge is \]/ 2 grains of powder 
and a lubricated conical bullet weighing 29 
grains. 



Figure 30. 

An excellent cartridge in this caliber is the 
.22 short, (Fig. 30). This cartridge fouls 
very little and is almost equal in accuracy to the 
.22 " long rifle " up to 50 yards. On account of 
its lighter report it is preferred by many for 
gallery shooting. 




— ™™^'' 



Figure 31. 

The .22 caliber " long rifle 1} cartridge is more 
extensively used for pistol shooting than any 
other. It is the most accurate of the .22- cali- 
ber cartridges, being well proportioned, the 
bullet well lubricated, and the shell uncrimped. 
In addition to this, the ammunition is inex- 
pensive and has very clean shooting qualities. 
It is, therefore, particularly well adapted for 
pistol shooting. This cartridge, fired from a 
io-inch barrel, will shoot regularly inside of a 



AMMUNITION 41 

2-inch circle, at 50 yards, and inside a 5-inch 
circle at 100 yards. 

The .22-caliber Long Rifle " Armory" and 
the .22-caliber Smith & Wesson Long are special 
makes of the long rifle cartridge that are fur- 
nished with a crimped shell, preventing the bul- 
let from becoming dislodged and thus adapting 
this popular cartridge for use in revolvers of 
this caliber. 

In all of the foregoing cartridges only the 
surface of the bullet outside the shell is lubri- 
cated. Exposed in this way, the lubricant is 
easily rubbed off, or melted if allowed to stand 
in the sunlight on a warm day. Great care 
should be taken to prevent this, as, without 
lubrication, the bullets will lead the barrel and 
cause inaccurate shooting. 




Figure 32. 

The .22-caliber Winchester is a cartridge 
with inside lubrication. It is more powerful than 
the .22 long rifle, and gives good results in the 
pistol. The bullet has a flat point, making it 
suitable for game shooting, and the lubrication 
being within the shell, these cartridges may be 
carried loose in the pocket. 



42 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

All of the .22 caliber cartridges can be had 
with hollow-pointed bullets, which are to be pre- 
ferred for game shooting. They are also fur- 
nished loaded with smokeless powder. When 
this powder was first used in .22-caliber am- 
munition the results were far from satisfactory, 
but as now manufactured the smokeless am- 
munition approximates very closely in uniform- 
ity and accuracy to that loaded with black 
powder. 

There still remains, however, considerable 
difficulty with the rim-fire smokeless cartridges 
on account of their liability to rust the inside of 
the barrel.* The novice is therefore cautioned 
not to use this ammunition until the difficulty 
of rusting is overcome. 

The .25-cal. Stevens is a much more powerful 
cartridge than any of the preceding, and gives 
excellent results in the pistol. It is selected 



* The difficulty is probably caused by the priming com- 
position used at the present time in smokeless rim-fire am- 
munition. These compositions vary with different manu- 
facturers, but most of them contain fulminate of mercury, 
chlorate of potash, powdered glass, etc. The trouble is 
probably caused principally by the chlorate of potash 
and perhaps by the fulminate of mercury. At any rate, 
a corrosive residue is left which attacks the barrel and 
causes it to rust. A priming composition free from dele- 
terious substances, and which will not leave a corrosive 
residue, is urgently needed for both rim-fire and center- 
fire ammunition. 



AMMUNITION 43 



25 S 



Figure 33. 
by those who wish a more powerful rim-fire 
cartridge than is furnished in .22 caliber. 

Rim-fire cartridges in larger caliber than .25 
are used for derringers (large-bore, single-shot 
pocket pistols now seldom used) and inferior 
grades of revolvers. These cartridges some- 
times lack uniformity in caliber when made by 
different manufacturers, are frequently defec- 
tive, and discharge occasionally in closing the 
action of the arm m which they are loaded. They 
consequently lack the safety, reliability, and 
accuracy of the corresponding calibers in cen- 
tral-fire ammunition. Rim-fire cartridges can- 
not be reloaded. 

Central-fire Cartridges. — This type of cart- 
ridge has a brass or copper primer fitted with 
a skeleton anvil of brass and charged with a 
small quantity of priming composition contain- 
ing a sensitive explosive for igniting the pow- 
der charge. The primer fits water-tight in a 
socket in the center of the base of the shell. 
After being discharged, the primer can be re- 
newed and the shell reloaded. 

In all the central-fire cartridges the lubrica- 



44 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

tion of the bullet is inside of the shell, render- 
ing the ammunition much more serviceable and 
less liable to be damaged. 

Mantled bullets designated as " metal point- 
ed " and " full metal patched " can be supplied 
by the ammunition manufacturers for all the 
central-fire cartridges at a cost of one dollar 
per thousand more than the regular lead bul- 
lets. The mantled bullets do not deform 
as readily in handling, shipping, etc., and give 
slightly increased penetration in soft woods, 
animal tissue, etc., as compared with the plain 
lead bullet with the same powder charge. 




-""*;-■ 



Figure 34- Tigaxt 35- 

The .32-caliber S. & W. cartridge is adapted 
to the Smith & Wesson, Colt, or other pocket 
revolvers. Occasionally single-shot pistols are 
chambered for this cartridge. It is fairly ac- 
curate at ranges up to 50 yds. A gallery charge 
is furnished in this shell consisting of 4 grains 
of black powder and a spherical or " round " 
bullet weighing 47 grains. 

The .32-cal. S. & W. Long is more accurate 
and powerful than the preceding cartridge. It 



AMMUNITION 45 

gives excellent results in both the pistol and re- 
volver. The gallery charge is the same as that 
of the .32 S. & W. 

The .32-caliber Colt New Police is also an ac- 
curate cartridge, and was designed specially for 
the Colt New Police revolver. The flat point 
adds to its effectiveness. A good gallery charge 
in this shell consists of a powder charge of 1 y 2 
grains of Bullseye and the regular bullet. 




Figure 36. 

The .32-44 S. & W. and the .38-44 S. & W. 
were special black powder cartridges designed 
for the S. & W. Russian Model revolver bored 
for these calibers. The shells were uncrimped 
and the bullets seated inside of the shells flush 
with the mouth. A large variety of special bul- 
lets of varying weights were designed for these 
cartridges and much experimentation was done 
with them. The .38-44 Caliber was originally 
designed for and largely used by Chevalier Ira 
A. Paine, the noted pistol shot in his exhibit- 
ions. 

While these cartridges proved very accurate 
and were popular when black powder was in 
general use they are entirely unsuited for smoke- 



46 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

less powders and consequently are now seldom 
used. 

The .38 S. & W. is adapted to the Smith & 
Wesson, Colt, and other pocket revolvers. It 
is much more powerful than the .32 S. & W., 
and is consequently more practical and better 
adapted for a pocket revolver charge. When 
shot from a 4-inch barrel, groups of ten shots 
can be made in a 2-inch circle at 20 yards and 
in a 6-inch circle at 50 yards. 

A good gallery or reduced load in this shell 
is Ideal Bullet No. 358242, 36072, or 360302 
with 2 grains of Bullseye powder. 



:olt 

"NEW POLICE 



|L|'^ft^ : " -"-/PP" 



Figure 37 Figure 38. 

The .38 Colt New Police is almost identical 
with the .38 S. & W., the only difference being 
a slightly heavier bullet with a flat point. 

The .38 Long Colt is adapted to the Colt 




Figure 39. 
and S. & W. Military revolvers. It was the 

regulation charge of the service weapon of the 

U. S. Army until 191 1. Under service con- 



AMMUNITION 47 

ditions the cartridge was found to have in- 
sufficient power, was inaccurate and on account 
of the deterioration of the powder with which 
some of the ammunition was loaded it proved 
most unsatisfactory, especially in the Philippine 
war. 




Figure 40. 

The .38 Smith & Wesson Special cartridge is 
more powerful than the .38 Long Colt and is 
exceedingly accurate. From a 6-inch barrel six 
shots may be placed within a 5-inch circle at 
100 yards. Numerous gallery and mid-range 
charges with special bullets have been designed 
forthis cartridge. It is now the most popular 
of all the revolver cartridges for target practice. 
Some of the special bullets are illustrated here- 
with, the numbers being those used in the 
" Ideal Handbook": 



858242 86072 

860345 





IS 



125 gr. 115 gr. no gr. 



48 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 



860302 



360271 



360363 



A 1 




H2 gr 150 gr. 70 gr. 

Figure 41. 

A powder charge of 2% to 2y 2 grains of 
Bullseye will give good results with any of these 
bullets. Bullets No. 360345, 360302 and 360- 
271 cut full-size bullet holes in the targets. 

The following are some of the special charges 
supplied by the manufacturers in this shell: 







"c3 




CO 




Name 


Manu- 







cd co 






facturer 


■M 

-co 


A 











0) 




£ 


H 


Gallery 


U. M. C. Co. 


5.2 


Black 


70 


Spherical 


Target 


U. M. C. Co. 


2.6 


Bullseye 


130 


R. N. 


Colt Special 


U. M. C. Co, 


3.4 


Bullseye 


160 


F. N. 


Sharp Shoulder 


U. M. C. Co. 


2.1 


Bullseye 


122 


F. Head 


Mid Range 


Winchester 


2.0 


Bullseye 


104 


R. N. 


Gallery 


Winchester 


85 


C. P. w. 


70 


R N. 



The .44-caliber Smith & Wesson Russian* 
was the most popular revolver cartridge for 
target shooting before smokeless powder was 
introduced. Since smokeless charges have been 

* So named after its adoption as the service ammunition 
of the Russian cavalry. 



AMMUNITION 



49 




Figure 42. 
adapted to it many expert shots prefer this cart- 
ridge in the gallery contests as the large bullet 
hole is a decided advantage over the smaller 
calibers at ranges of 20 yards and under. Nearly 
all the great records in revolver shooting in 
the past have been made with this cartridge and 
many important matches have been won with it. 
A great deal of experimental work has also 
been done with it, and many reduced charges 
have been evolved. The Ideal Manufacturing 
Company can furnish moulds for bullets of the 
shapes and weights shown in Fig. 43. 



429336 



429251 




U. M. C. 



TJ. M. 



429106 




255 gr. 256 gr. no gr. 130 gr. 175 gr. 

Jnnn<c 429220 
429215 

429106 429239 
429348 




176 gr. 160 gr. 125 gr. 205 gr. 
Figure 43. 



175 gr. 



50 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Bullets No. 429336, 429348, and 429220 
cut clean, full-size holes in the target. The 
weight of the powder charge and bullets in 
grains and the accuracy of the various loads 
fired from a 6^ -inch barrel are about as fol- 
lows: 








4-» 


Diameter of Circle Enclosing Group of 10 Shots 


71 £ 






3 


3 




«Dh 


n 








20 yds. 


30 yds. 


50 yds. 


100 yds. 


200 yd. 


4.1 


256 


1 in. 


l^in. 


\y 2 m. 


6 in. 


15 in. 


2.3 


110 


1 in. 


2 in. 








2.7 


130 


IX in. 


2% in. 








3.0 


160 




2 in. 


3 in. 






2.8 


176 


V/z in. 










3.0 


175 




2% in. 








2.7 


125 


IX in. 


2^ in. 








3.2 


205 




2 in. 


3 in. 


7 in. 




2.6 


175 


IX in. 




3Xin. 







These various loads adapt this shell to almost 
any conceivable requirement in revolver shoot- 
ing. 

The .44 S. & W. Special is the latest and 
most powerful of the .44-caliber cartridges. It 



'} ' special" 



Figure 44. 

equals the .44 S. & W. Russian in accuracy and 
is the best proportioned of the heavy revolver 
cartridges. The reduced and gallery loads of 



AMMUNITION 



51 



the .44 S. & W. Russian will give equally good 
results in this shell. 

The .45 Colt Army is the most powerful of 
all the revolver cartridges. It was formerly 




Figure 45. 

the United States army service ammunition. The 
charge was so heavy, and the recoil so ex- 
cessive that it was almost impossible to shoot 
it without flinching. The smokeless powder 
charge of 5 grains of Bullseye makes it much 
more practical and very similar to the .44 S. & 
W. Special cartridge. Both of these are exceed- 
ingly powerful and accurate and suitable for 
military service. 



M. fgM 



7. REVOLVER 
s*> '/'SMOKELESS , 



Figure 46. Figure 47- 

The caliber of the service ammunition for 
the revolver of the British army is .455. This 
is a very accurate cartridge, but not as power- 
ful as the corresponding military cartridges 
used in this country. A special cylindrical bul- 
let with a deep convex hollow point is furnished 




52 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

in the same shell and is known as the "man 
stopper." 

This form of bullet is used in the English 
.450 and .38 caliber cartridges also. 

The .450 Welby is another English cartridge 
that is accurate, and pleasant to shoot. It is 
used largely at Bisley in the annual revolver 
competitions of the National Rifle Associa- 
tion of Great Britain. 

In order to avoid excessive fouling with 
black powders a self-lubricating bullet has been 
invented and introduced by Smith & Wesson, 
which can be furnished in all calibers above 
.32. The bullet has a hollow core open in the 
rear. Lubricant is filled into the core, after 
which it is closed with a lead plunger. Four 
small ducts communicate from the forward end 
of the core to the exterior of the bullet just 
ahead of its bearing on the barrel. At the 
moment of discharge the plunger is driven 
forward, forcing the lubricant through the 
ducts into the barrel ahead of the bullet. 

This bullet has given excellent results and 
will be found decidedly advantageous when 
black powder is used. With it a hundred or 
more shots may be fired with black powder 
without causing sufficient fouling to impair the 
accuracy. 






AMMUNITION 53 

Revolvers are sometimes chambered for the 
.44-40-200, the .38-40-180, and the .32-20-115 
rifle cartridges. These charges in black pow- 
der load are not as accurate as the correspond- 
ing revolver cartridges in these calibers, but 
can be relied on to shoot inside a 5-inch circle 
at. 50 yards. These cartridges are desirable 
for revolvers only when it is an advantage to 
use the same ammunition in the rifle and re- 
volver, or in certain localities where only a few 
varieties of ammunition are to be had. The 
large powder charge makes the recoil of the 
first two cartridges named rather unpleasant. 
The .32-20-115 is the most accurate of these 
cartridges, and gives the best results in the 
pistol or revolver. All these cartridges hav- 
ing flat-pointed bullets are well adapted for 
game shooting. None of these rifle cartridges 
loaded with smokeless powder will give good 
results in revolvers because the brand of pow- 
der generally used in rifle ammunition requires 
a long barrel to consume the charge. Fired 
from a short barrel only part of the charge will 
be consumed and the rest will be expelled un- 
burned, thus reducing the velocity and power 
of the charge and sometimes increasing the re- 
coil. It is of course entirely practicable to 
adapt a charge of bullseye or similar smokeless 



54 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

powder to these shells which would make them 
much more satisfactory. Another disadvan- 
tage of using the rifle cartridge in revolvers is 
the possibility of inexperienced persons using 
the new high velocity rifle ammunition, which 
would prove not only most unsatisfactory but 
extremely dangerous in revolvers. There are 
no reduced or gallery loads supplied in these 
shells. 

Automatic Pistol Cartridges. — With the 
introduction of the magazine pistol special 
smokeless cartridges have been devised that 
are rimless and have a crease around the base 
of the shell by which they may be held and 
manipulated by the mechanism. These car- 
tridges are exceedingly clean-shooting. Sev- 
eral hundred rounds may be fired without caus- 
ing more fouling than is apparent after the first 






!fc,ME ■:■-■;:■, ■;■■•"■'■■■■'■. : 



Figure 48. 



Figure 52. 



Figure 49» 





Figure 51. 






Figure 53- 



AMMUNITION 



55 






COLT PISTOL 



Figure 54. 




Figure 55. 




COLT PISTOL 1 
Govt Model , 



Figure 57. Figure 56. 

few shots. This ammunition is furnished 
loaded with " full-mantled " and " soft-nosed " 
bullets; the latter, having the lead exposed at 
the point will mushroom on striking animal 
tissue and are sometimes referred to as " dum 
dum " bullets and are intended for hunting pur- 
poses. 

The mantled or metal cased bullet has un- 
doubted advantages in rifle ammunition, in 
which low trajectory and extreme long range 
are desiderata that can be obtained only by 
high velocities. In ammunition for magazine 
pistols and revolvers, however, the prime ob- 
ject is to deliver the most effective blow pos- 
sible at comparatively short range. 

The velocities attainable in large calibers 
within the permissible weight of an automatic 
pistol are comparatively low. The deforma- 
tion of any bullet on striking animal tissue is 



56 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

in direct proportion to its velocity. It is, there- 
fore, extremely doubtful that a metal cased 
bullet will ever prove as effective and satisfac- 
tory in " stopping power " and for military 
service, either in the automatic pistol or the 
revolver, as the large caliber lead bullet. 

The .25 cal. is the smallest of the American 
made automatic pistol ammunition and is adapt- 
ed for the Colt and other magazine pistols. It 
is an accurate cartridge but the short length of 
barrel of the Colt weapon makes it impossible 
to do accurate work with it. 

Figures 49 and 50 are the well known Luger 
and Mauser cartridges adapted to the pistols 
of that name. They are powerful charges, ac- 
curate and clean shooting. These were among 
the first cartridges developed for automatic 
pistols and are still extensively used. 

The .32 Automatic Colt is adapted to Colt 
and other magazine pistols of this caliber. It 
is an accurate, pleasant shooting cartridge with 
very little recoil and excellent work can be done 
with it at the target. 

The .35 S. & W. Automatic is adapted to the 
Smith & Wesson magazine pistol. It is a very 
accurate cartridge, has no unpleasant recoil and 
like the preceding is well adapted for target 
shooting. 

Figure 53 is the .380 Automatic Colt cart- 



AMMUNITION 57 

ridge designed to meet the demand for a light 
charge in this caliber. It is adapted to the Colt 
and other magazine pistols. 

The .38 Automatic Colt is the best propor- 
tioned and most powerful of all automatic pis- 
tol cartridges. It has a slightly flattened point 
and is extremely accurate. When fired from 
regulation arms this ammunition is capable 
of placing ten shots inside a 3-inch circle at 50 
yards and inside a 7-inch circle at 100 yards. 

This was the ammunition of the first Colt 
automatic pistol introduced in the United States. 

Figures 55 and 56 are two cartridges adapt- 
ed to the .45 Automatic Colt pistol. Figure 56 
is the new service charge of the U. S. Army, 
They are exactly alike except that the service 
charge has a 230 gr. bullet (30 gr. heavier than 
the other). The service charge when fired 
from the regulation service arm is capable of 
placing 10 shots in a 3*^ -inch circle at 50 yards 
and an 8-inch circle at 100 yards. 

A flat or blunt pointed bullet of about 185 gr. 
and a ten per cent, heavier powder charge 
would improve the effectiveness and stopping 
power of this cartridge wonderfully without 
materially affecting the recoil or the accuracy. 

Figure 57 is the service charge of the regu- 
lation magazine pistol (Webley & Scott) of the 
British Army. It is an accurate cartridge but 



58 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

it lacks sufficient power to fulfill the exacting 
requirements of present-day military service. 

Light or gallery charges in magazine pistol 
shells are impracticable on account of not hav- 
ing sufficient recoil to operate the automatic 
mechanism. Slightly reduced loads with lead 
bullets may be used in some of the arms but 
seldom with satisfactory results. Reduced 
loads can be used in most of the weapons if the 
mechanisms are hand operated for each shot. 

The following ballistical table gives the 
charges, muzzle velocities, etc., of the princi- 
pal factory-loaded, smokeless pistol and re- 
volver cartridges. The factories aim to keep 
the muzzle velocities uniform for each cart- 
ridge. To produce this result with the various 
brands of smokeless powder, all of which dif- 
fer more or less in strength, the weight of the 
powder charge necessarily varies for the differ- 
ent brands of powder. Even when purchased 
in large quantities, different blends and pack- 
ages of the same brand of powder occasionally 
vary somewhat in strength. For these reasons 
it is impossible to designate the exact weight or 
volume of any brand of powder which will in 
all cases produce the muzzle velocities in the 
table, and the charges given must therefore be 
considered as approximate only. 



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CHAPTER IV 



SIGHTS 



THE purpose of sights is to assist in aim- 
ing the piece. The national organiza- 
tions allow only " open " sights in pistol 
and revolver shooting. " Peep " or " aper- 
ture " sights are barred. The rear sight 
usually consists of a notch shaped like a V or 
a U, the notch being as wide on top as at any 
part. The front sight is a piece of thin metal 
set on edge. Sometimes the latter has a spe- 
cial shape or section resembling a pinhead 
when looking at it from the breech, as in aim- 
ing. 




Side View. 




X 



End View. Side View. 
Front Sights. 



End View. 



Rear sight. 



Appearance when aiming. 
Military Sights 

Figure 58. 
62 



SIGHTS 63 

Military sights usually consist of a plain 
groove in the top of the frame for the rear 
sight and a tapering front sight fixed to the 
barrel near the muzzle. 




i 



Rear Sight. Side View. End View, Appearance 

when aiming. 

Front Sight. 

"Paine" Sights. 
Figure 59. 

Target sights are made in endless variety 
to suit individual ideas. The sights most gen- 
erally used for target shooting are the 
u Paine " sights, named after Chevalier Ira 
A. Paine, who invented and was the first to 
use them. The rear sight is a flat bar with a 
semi-circular notch, and the front sight is a 
"bead" sight; that is, a sight that resembles 
a pinhead when aiming. 




Rear Sight. Side View. End View Appearance 

when aiming. 
Front Sights. 
Patridge Sights. 
Figure 60. 



64 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Another sight that many of the best shots 
are using is the "Patridge " sight, developed 
by Mr. E. E. Patridge of Boston, Mass. The 
rear sight has a wide rectangular notch; the 
front sight is plain, with a square top, as 
shown. 

Fig. 6 1 represents the "Lyman" sights as 
adapted to Smith & Wesson revolvers. The 
distinctive features of these sights are the 
ivory bead of the front sight and the horizon- 
tal ivory line in the rear sight. These sights 
are well adapted for hunting and shooting at 
objects with a dark background. 

These sights have been referred to in the 
order in which they are most used. It is gen- 
erally necessary for individuals to try various 
sights before they are able to select intelli- 
gently. In target arms different-shaped sights 
may be used in the same base or fitting, so that 
it is a compartively easy matter to try any or 
all of these sights on the same arm. 

The notch of the rear sight should have a 
bevelled edge concave toward the front. This 
will secure sharpness of outline in any light. 
The front sight should also be distinct and is 
found to be more satisfactory when the side 
toward the eye is a surface at right angles to 
the line of sight. 




Fig. 61. — Lyman Sights 



:■■'.: ™\>/j:,' iv r \:'--a ; 



7" 







Fig. 62.— THE WESPI SEARCHLIGHT SIGHT 
A-Battery; B-Mercury switch; C-Electric bulb; D-E-Lenses. 




Fig. 63.— The 
Wespi Search- 
light Mounted on a 
Pocket Revolver. 



SIGHTS 65 

For years means have been sought to make 
successful shooting at night possible. White 
and phosphorescent paints have been applied to 
the sights and to the top of the barrel but all 
such methods have proved more or less un- 
satisfactory even in dim light and in total dark- 
ness the target or other object cannot be seen. 
A recently invented device that overcomes all 
these difficulties and makes shooting at night 
practicable is the " Wespi " searchlight sight.* 

This sight is a tube about 6 inches long and 
24 inches in diameter containing a miniature 
electric searchlight which projects a dark spot 
in the center of the illuminated field. When 
properly mounted on the piece the black spot 
indicates where the bullet will strike. This 
sight can be readily attached to any pistol or 
revolver. As offered on the market at the pres- 
ent time it is adapted for short range work up 
to, say, 6o feet. The illustrations show a section 
through the sight tube, and the sight attached 
to a revolver. The weight is six ounces. (See 
6i and 62 facing p. 64.) 

This sight embodies the principles of the 
telescopic sight and can undoubtedly be modi- 
fied to increase its illuminating power and 
adapted so as to project well-defined dark lines 

*' Sold by American Specialty Co., 198 Fifth Avenue, 
New York City. 



66 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

similar to cross wires, on a target; or the dark 
spot decreased in size to about 3 or 4 inches in 
diameter at 60 feet, So modified this would be 
a practical sight for target shooting and would 
be a boon to many of the older marksmen 
whose sight is failing and who find it more and 
more difficult to shoot in artificial light with the 
ordinary sights. 

Such a sight would also possess many advan- 
tages for beginners as the moving spot on the 
target would indicate the unsteadiness of the 
holding and impress upon the marksman the im- 
portance of holding the spot in the right position 
at the instant of discharge. A further improve- 
ment would be to substitute for the dark spot, 
a spot of intensely bright light. This would 
be equally as effective as the dark spot and 
would greatly increase the range at which the 
sight could be used, adapting it to game shoot- 
ing at night. It is hoped that the manufacturers 
will develop a sight as suggested for target and 
game shooting. 



CHAPTER V 

SHOOTING POSITION 

THE position in pistol and revolver shoot- 
ing is very important. In firing a long 
series of shots, a man with an easy, 
natural position will suffer much less fatigue, 
and will have a decided advantage over another 
whose position is straining and uncomfortable. 
Formerly the approved position was to stand 
with the right side toward the target. This re- 
quired the head to be turned ninety degrees 
from its natural position, and was very un- 
comfortable. Undoubtedly this position is a 
relic of duelling days, when it might have been 
argued that a smaller mark was offered to the 
antagonist. 

The positions adopted by the leading shots 
vary considerably. Most of them face a trifle 
to the left of the target, with the right foot 6 
or 8 inches ahead of the left, and pointing di- 
rectly toward the target, the weight of the body 
supported equally by both legs and perfectly 
balanced. Others shoot with the feet close to- 

67 



68 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 






gether; some with one or both eyes open, and 
with the arm partly or fully extended. The 
question of position depends largely upon the 
physique and comfort of the individual. 

Mr. Winans' position is an exceedingly strong 
one. His poise is very good, and he stands 
firmly on both feet. The left arm falls straight 
down along the left side of the body. This 
affords rigidity when desired, and imparts action 
to the figure. 

Mr. Axtell has a stanch, natural position. 
Like Mr. Winans, he shoots with the right arm 
fully extended, and he holds the weapon in the 
correct and most approved manner. 

The position of Mr. Anderton is excellent. 
He enjoys perfect health, and has his large 
muscular development well under control. His 
position is strong, natural, and comfortable. 

Mr. Dietz's position is entirely different from 
any of those preceding. It is tenseless and flex- 
ible permitting him to shoot long series of 
shots without fatigue. 

The positions of Mr. Patridge and Sergeant 
Petty are characteristic and typical of persons 
of entirely different physique. 

Mr. Gorman and Dr. Sayre are men of simi- 
lar physique. Their positions which resemble 
each other closely are firm, easy and natural. 



SHOOTING POSITION 69 

Mr. Lane's position is natural and interest- 
ingly unconventional. He has perfect poise 
and shoots without apparent fatigue. 

Dr. Snook has a well poised and deliberate 
position. He shoots with his arm not fully ex- 
tended and with the feet close together. 

The positions of Mr. Armstrong and Mr. 
Dolfen are very similar. They are men of en- 
tirely different stature but almost identical in 
physique. Their positions are firm and busi- 
ness-like. Both shoot with the arm fully ex- 
tended. 

Note. — For photographs showing shooting positions of 
individuals referred to in this chapter, see illustrations 
facing pp. 68, 72, 76, and 78. 



CHAPTER VI 

TARGET-SHOOTING 

IN the development of firearms and ammuni- 
tion, target-shooting has always occupied 
an important place. It is regularly and 
systematically practised in the army and navy, 
in order to maintain and improve the proficiency 
of the men as marksmen. Target-shooting, 
with many different styles of firearms, under 
prescribed rules and regulations, has also be- 
come extremely popular with civilians. 

Target-shooting was indulged in extensively 
with the rifle before it became popular with the 
pistol and revolver. The shorter barrel, and 
the greater difficulty in acquiring skill with the 
latter weapons, were doubtless responsible for 
the mistaken idea, long prevalent, that these 
arms were extremely inaccurate. When, how- 
ever, a few individuals developed sufficient skill 
to obtain fine shooting, their performances were 
considered phenomenal. Among the first to 
obtain a high order of skill with the muzzle- 
loading pistol in the United States was Captain 
John Travers of Missouri. He was well known 

70 



TARGET SHOOTING 71 

as an expert pistol shot as early as i860. In 
that year Captain Travers shot an interesting 
individual match in St. Louis at a distance of 
100 feet. Fifteen china plates, nine inches in 
diameter, were used as targets. Captain 
Travers broke 11 out of 15, while his op- 
ponent broke but 9. 

In 1865 Colonel William F. Cody, (Buffalo 
Bill) and Captain William P. Schaaf of St. 
Louis became prominent as pistol shots. The 
latter subsequently joined Captain Travers in 
a three years' tour of the United States, giving 
exhibitions in nearly all the large cities. 

About 1880 Ira Anson Paine, a native of 
Massachusetts, attracted attention by his fine 
marksmanship with the pistol. In 188 1 he went 
abroad, and for a number of years he traveled 
over the principal countries of Europe, giving 
public exhibitions of his skill with the pistol and 
revolver. While in Portugal in 1882 he was 
knighted by the King in the presence of a notable 
assemblage, and made a chevalier of an ancient 
military order. In his exhibitions Chevalier 
Paine used a Stevens Lord Model pistol and a 
Smith & Wesson revolver. His skill with these 
arms was so far in advance of his contempor- 
aries that he was popularly supposed to ac- 
complish many of his feats by trickery. 



72 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Target-shooting with the pistol and revolver, 
as a sport, may be said to have originated at 
the annual meeting of the National Rifle As- 
sociation at Creedmoor in 1886. During that 
meeting a revolver match was scheduled to be 
shot at 25 yards on the 200-yard Standard 
American Rifle Target. It was a reentry 
match, with the three best scores of five shots 
each of any contestant to count. In this match 
three scores of 48 out of 50 were made, the 
highest individual aggregate of three scores be- 
ing 143 out of a possible 150. 

The same year a similar match was an- 
nounced at the fall meeting of the Massachu- 
setts Rifle Association at Walnut Hill. Cheva- 
lier Paine was a competitor in this match, and 
made 50 — 49 — 49=148 in six entries. The 
next best three scores equalled 142. 

These matches proved so interesting and 
successful that target-shooting with the pistol 
and revolver became instantly popular all over 
the country. It was soon found that the arms 
possessed remarkable accuracy, and as the skill 
of the shooters improved the distance was in- 
creased to 50 yards retaining the same target. 

Mr. A. C. Gould, editor of The Rifle, and 
Shooting and Fishing, was the first one to recog- 
nize the possibilities of the pistol and revolver, 



TARGET-SHOOTING 73 

and became greatly interested in the perform- 
ances with these arms. He assisted and en- 
couraged the shooters, witnessed their work, 
and made careful and elaborate records of all 
the important scores that were made in the 
United States from 1886 to 1900.* It was at his 
suggestion that Chevalier Paine essayed to fire 
the first 100-shot score at 50 yards on the 
Standard American Target, scoring 791 points. 
This shooting was done with a finely sighted 
.44-caliber Smith & Wesson Russian Model Re- 
volver, regulation full charge ammunition, and 
a 2 y 2 -pound trigger pull. A keen rivalry for 
the 100-shot record soon sprang up, resulting 
as follows : 

Oct. 15, 1886, Chevalier Ira Paine at Walnut Hill 

March 7, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " 

Nov. 4 1887, F. E. Bennett 

Nov. 14, 1887, F. E. Bennett 

Dec. 5, 1887, F. E. Bennett " 

Dec. 17, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " 

Dec. 22, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " 

Dec. 23, 1887, W. W. Bennett 

This rivalry led to a long newspaper con- 
troversy, and culminated in the, famous Paine- 
Bennett revolver match. The conditions were 
as follows: Stakes $1000.00; 100 shots per day 
for six consecutive days ; Smith & Wesson Rus- 

* See " The Modern American Pistol and Revolver," by 
A. C. Gould (Bradlee Whidden, Publisher, Boston, Mass.). 



it 


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.. 857 


tt 


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.. 877 


it 


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.. 886 


tl 


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.. 888 


tt 


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.. 904 


tt 


tt 


.. 914 



74 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

sian Model Revolvers, .44 caliber; factory- 
loaded full charge ammunition; trigger pull, 3 
pounds; Standard American Target with 8- 
inch bull's-eye; distance, 50 yards. On the fifth 
day of the match, and while 9 points in the lead, 
Chevalier Paine entered a protest and with- 
drew. Mr. F. E. Bennett continued shooting, 
as stipulated in the match, scoring 5093 points 
for the total of the six days. The protest was 
referred to the National Rifle Association, 
which decided in favor of Mr. Bennett, award- 
ing him the match and the championship of 
America. 

In practising for this match Mr. F. E. Ben- 
nett, under the same conditions, made a score 
of 915. This record was not excelled until 
June 1, 1 90 1, when C. S. Richmond of Sa- 
vannah, Georgia, scored 918 points under 
substantially the same conditions. 

During the summer of 1890, Mr. William 
E. Carlin, assisted by Mr. Hubert Reynolds, 
made a very elaborate series of tests with the 
revolver and various kinds of ammunition, to 
ascertain the possibilities of the arms, the ac- 
curacy of the ammunition, the effect of fouling, 
etc. About 10,000 rounds were fired, Mr. Car- 
lin used a butt-stock attachment, telescopic sight, 
and sand bag rest; and Mr. Reynolds verified 



TARGET-SHOOTING 75 

Mr. Carlin's results from a machine rest. All 
the shooting was done with black powder 
charges in Smith & Wesson revolvers. 

The best groups were made with the .32-44 
S. & W. Revolving rifle cartridge; a number of 
the 10-shot groups at 50 yards, measuring 1 % 
inches to i l / 2 inches in diameter. Tests were 
also made at ranges of 100 and 200 yards. At 
100 yards, groups of 10 shots were obtained 
with the .32-44, and the .44 caliber S. & W. 
Russian, varying from 3 inches to 4 inches in 
diameter. At 200 yards, the .44 S. & W. 
Russian gave the best results; a number of 
groups of 10 shots being obtained measuring 
8 inches to 12 inches in diameter. These tests 
were considered most remarkable at that time, 
as such accuracy was not expected of barrels 
of only 6 inches and 8 inches in length. 

Prior to these tests, the possibilities of the 
pistol and revolver were judged solely by the 
shooting of a few expert shots, which of course 
included the personal dispersion error of the 
individuals. These tests furnished the first 
definite information as to the real capabilities 
of the revolver, and had a far-reaching and 
salutary influence on pistol and revolver 
shooting. They demonstrated to the marks- 
men and the manufacturers of the arms that 



76 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

fine shooting approximating to that of the rifle 
was possible with the revolver, by developing 
the necessary skill in shooting and perfecting 
the ammunition. 

A very interesting revolver match for a 
trophy offered by Mr. Walter Winans took 
place in 1892. Mr. Winans is a noted Ameri- 
can revolver shot, residing in England, and the 
trophy — an American cowboy executed ad- 
mirably in bronze — was modeled by him. The 
match was conducted by Forest and Stream. 
The trophy was won, after a spirited compe- 
tition, by Doctor Louis Bell. Under the con- 
ditions of the match, the winner was to de- 
fend his title two years before the trophy be- 
came his property. The trophy was won suc- 
cessively by George E. Jantzer and Sergeant 
W. E. Petty. Sergeant Petty defended the 
trophy and successfully for two years, and now 
holds it permanently. 

A record, or " best on record," is the 
highest recognized score of any given number 
of shots fired under certain standard conditions, 
and with an arm complying with certain 
established rules. The records of pistol and 
revolver shooting in the United States were 
carefully established and compiled by Shooting 
and Fishing until the year 1903. 




TO* 



TARGET SHOOTING 77 

The record performances with the single- 
shot pistol, on the Standard American Target, 
at 50 yards, are as follows: 

100 Shots — 

Sept. 22, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass 906 

Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett " " " 934 

Sept. 10, 1890, F. E. Bennett " " " 936 

Feb. 25, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal 939 

May 26, 1901, J. E. Gorman " " " 942 

March 1, 1902, E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass 942 

50 Shots — 

Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass 470 

Feb. 11, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal..... 471 

May 20, 1 901, J. E. Gorman " " " 474 

Dec. 7, 1901, T. Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass 476 

April 4, 1903, T. Anderton " " " 480 

Under the stimulating influence and encour- 
agement of Shooting and Fishing, pistol and re- 
volver shooting became a popular pastime and 
by 1900 numerous clubs had been organized 
throughout the country. Unfortunately, the 
marksmen of each locality made their own rules 
and adopted independent standards as to tar- 
gets, weapons, etc. This resulted in endless 
confusion and dissatisfaction when matches be- 
tween clubs were attempted. Rumors of a 
challenge from the revolver marksmen of 
France for an international contest were also 
rife at this time. There was, therefore, an 
urgent need for a national organization to ex- 



78 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

ercise general jurisdiction over the sport; form- 
ulate uniform rules, regulations, and standards, 
and to receive and act upon challenges. 

A number of revolver enthusiasts met in 
Conlin's shooting gallery, New York City, in 
February, 1900, and issued a call to the re- 
volver shots of the country, inviting them to 
join in forming a national revolver association 
at a meeting called at Conlin's gallery, March 
5, 1900. Replies were received from thirteen 
states and thirty-five gentlemen responded in 
person to the invitation. The United States 
Revolver Association* was organized at that 
meeting. 

This association, with the support and co- 
operation of all the leading shots of the country, 
immediately assumed national jurisdiction, 
formulated rules to govern pistol and revolver 
shooting, and inaugurated the annual champion- 
ship matches. These are shot simultaneously 
in different parts of the United States, thus 
giving everybody an opportunity to enter the 
competitions. 

The influence of the association on pistol and 
revolver shooting has been very beneficial. It 
has established uniformity in arms, rules, etc., 

* See Appendix for Constitution, Annual Matches, Rules 
and Regulations, etc. 



TO* 



a 

o 



TARGET-SHOOTING 79 

and has encouraged and conducted many 
friendly matches between clubs, thus bringing 
the shots in different parts of the country in 
closer touch with each other. 

The most important activity of the associa- 
tion in recent years has been the inauguration 
of the Indoor League Matches. Clubs in all 
parts of the United States enter into an agree- 
ment to shoot a match with each club in the 
League during the winter season. Medal prizes 
are awarded by the association according to 
the percentages of matches won to matches 
shot, similar to baseball leagues. The League 
has become exceedingly popular and twenty to 
thirty clubs participate in the contest annually. 
The League agreement varies somewhat from 
year to year. The 19 14 agreement will be 
found in the Appendix. 

International Matches. — The U. S. Revolver 
Association also negotiates and conducts all the 
international matches. The first of these 
matches was between France and the United 
States and took place on June 16, 1900. This 
match attracted world-wide attention, and was 
won by the United States. The conditions of the 
match were as follows ; Ten men on a side ; the 
Americans to shoot at Greenville, N. J., and 
the Frenchmen in Paris. Results to be cabled. 



80 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 



Each side to appoint an umpire to witness the 
shooting of the opposing side. Each man to 
shoot 30 shots on the French target at 16 
meters and 30 shots on the Standard American 
target at 50 yards. 

Following are the complete scores of the 
members of both teams on the two targets: 

On On 

French Team — French American Grand 

Target Target Total 

M. Dutf oy 244 253 497 

Comte de Chabannes 240 250 490 

M. M. Faure 241 248 489 

Paul Gastinne 238 251 489 

Comte Clary 247 241 488 

Capt. Chauchat 243 241 484 

Com. Dilschneider 236 242 478 

P. Moreau 239 236 475 

M. Trinite 233 239 472 

M. Labbe 226 240 466 

Totals ..2387 2441 4828 

On On 

American Team— French American Grand 

Target Target Total 

J. A. Dietz 263 260 523 

W. E. Petty 259 252 511 

R. H. Sayre 253 251 504 

B. F. Wilder 239 263 502 

G. W. Waterhouse 253 246 499 

L. R. Piercy 244 241 485 

W. G. Hudson 222 250 472 

J. B. Crabtree 225 244 409 

W. A. Smith 224 240 404 

A. L. A. Himmelwright 228 232 400 

Totals 2410 2479 4889 

Americans led by 23 38 61 

The first match did not satisfy the revolver 



TARGET SHOOTING 81 

experts of France, who claimed that the French 
team was not national in its character, that in- 
stead of representing the whole of France it 
represented Paris alone. About June, 1902, 
it was suggested that a second international 
contest be held, and the French gentlemen be- 
gan at once to gather material for a representa- 
tive team. The army, the navy, and the re- 
volver and pistol clubs of France united in their 
efforts to organize as strong a team as possible. 

The conditions of the second match were the 
subject of considerable negotiation by corres- 
pondence and as finally agreed upon were as 
follows : 

Fifteen men on a side. Each man to shoot 
60 shots in 10 strings of 6 shots each on the 
Standard American Target at 50 yards. Each 
side to appoint two umpires to witness the shoot- 
ing of their opponents. Results to be cabled. 

The American marksmen assembled at the 
Walnut Hill range of the Massachusetts Rifle 
Association, near Boston, devoting three days 
to preliminary practice shooting and selecting 
the team. It was originally agreed upon that 
the match was to take place on June 30, 1903, 
and the American team shot their scores on that 
day. Owing to delays in transportation, the 
targets intended for the French team did not 
reach them promptly and their side of the 



82 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

match was shot several days later. The mem- 
bers constituting the teams and their respective 
scores are as follows: 

French Team 

Comte de Castelbajac. Libourne 547 

Commandant Py, Saint Omer 542 

M. Dutf oy, Marseilles 541 

Captain Moreaux, Rennes 529 

M. Moline-Paget, Dieppe 526 

Captain Chauchat, Versailles 524 

M. Keller-Dorian, Lyons 522 

M. Feugray, Paris 509 

M. Despassio, Lyons 503 

M. Lecocq, Paris 502 

M. Caurette, Ham 502 

M. Louvier, Paris 496 

M. Balme, Paris 469 

Adjutant Paroche, Rennes 466 

M. Sartori, Paris 462 

Team total 7,640 

American Team 

0. I. Olson, Duluth, Minn 554 

B. F. Wilder, New York, N. Y 543 

R. S. Hale, Boston, Mass 540 

J. A. Dietz, Jr., New York, N. Y 534 

W. A. Smith, Springfield, Mass 532 

C. S. Axtell, Springfield, Mass 530 

Louis Bell, Boston, Mass , 527 

T. Anderton, Boston, Mass 523 

J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass 519 

1. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass 519 

E. E. Patridge, Boston, Mass 517 

R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. (Score shot in 

Paris 515 

J. T. Humphrey, Boston, Mass 513 

W. S. Amory, 2d, Boston, Mass 512 

C L. Bouve, Boston, Mass 511 

Team total 7,889 

Americans led by 249 



TARGET-SHOOTING 83 

A careful analysis of the scores shows that 
the Americans shot much more evenly than the 
Frenchmen, and that the skill of the three high 
men on both teams was approximately equal. 

The next international match participated in 
by the revolver shots of the United States was 
the Olympic Games Match at London, England 
on July 10 and n, 1908. Preliminary and 
elimination trials were conducted under the 
auspices of the United States Revolver Associa- 
tion resulting in the selection of the following 
team: I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass.; C. S. 
Axtell, Springfield, Mass.; J. A. Dietz, New 
York, N. Y. ; and J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, 
Cal. ; R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y., Captain. 
The conditions of the match were as follows: 

Any revolver or pistol with open sights; any 
ammunition; trigger pull unrestricted; distance, 
50 yards; international target, 10 ring, 2 inches 
in diameter, rest of target divided by con- 
centric rings one inch apart, bull's-eye contain- 
ing 10, 9, 8, and 7 rings; 60 shots in strings 
of 6 shots; 2 sighting shots allowed; position 
standing, right or left hand with arm extended; 
maximum number of entries from any country 
in individual contests, 12; maximum number 
of entries from any country in team contest, 1 ; 
teams to consist of four men each. 



84 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

A time limit of four minutes for each string 
of five shots was established, and all other con- 
ditions of the matches were governed by the 
rules of the National Rifle Association of Great 
Britain. 

The result of the match was as follows: 



ist — United States: 

J. E. Gorman 501 

I. R. Calkins 473 

John A. Dietz 472 

C. S. Axtell 468 

1914 



2d — Belgium 1863 

3d — United Kingdom 1817 

4th — France 1750 

5th — Sweden 1732 

6th— Holland 1637 

7th— Greece 1576 

The next Olympic Contest was held at 
Stockholm, Sweden, in 19 12. The American 
team consisted of A. P. Lane, New York, N. 
Y.; H. E. Sears, Boston, Mass.; P. J. Dolfen, 
Springfield, Mass.; and John A. Dietz, New 
York, N. Y.; R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y., 
Captain. 

The match was shot on July 2nd, under 
practically the same conditions as the former 
Olympic Match and resulted as follows: 



TARGET-SHOOTING 85 

ist — United States: 

A. P. Lane 509 

H. E. Sears 474 

P. J. Dolfen .. 467 

J. A. Dietz 466 

1916 

2d — Sweden 1849 

3d — United Kingdom 1804 

4th— Russia 1801 

5th— Greece . ; 1731 

In the individual match which was shot on 

July ist under the same conditions, and par- 
ticipated in by over fifty competitors of the 
different nations, Mr. Lane and Mr. Dolfen 
won first and second places with scores of 499 
and 474 respectively. Mr. Sears won 7th place 
with a score of 459, and Mr. Dietz 9th place 
with a score of 454. 



CHAPTER VII 

TARGETS 

A TARGET is a mark or object of suitable 
form and color designed to be fired at. 
It usually consists of a frame covered 
with canvas or paper, presenting a white sur- 
face with a prominent spot or bulPs-eye in the 
center. Concentric circles or " rings," around 
the center divide the target into zones which are; 
assigned values, decreasing from the center 
outward. On a regularly equipped range the 
targets are movable frames, so arranged that 
they may be raised to the firing position and 
then lowered into a pit, where the marker can 
safely examine the target, mark the shot ac- 
curately, and cover the shot-hole with a paster. 
The sum of the values of a limited series of 
consecutive shots, as 5, 7, 10, 20, 50, etc., con- 
stitutes a score. 

The official target of the United States Re- 
volver Association, which is used in the annual 
championship matches and for record shooting, 

86 



TARGETS 



87 




Fig. 76 — Standard American Target 
Diameter of Rings 



> Bullseye 



6 ring...l4.80inche8 
5 " ...19 68 " 
4 " ...26.83 M 



10 ring... 3.39 inches 
9 " ... 5.54 " 
8 " ... 8. 00 " 
7 " ...11. 00 " 

is the Standard American Target. This tar- 
get is used by practically all the shooting clubs 
and organizations in the United States. For 
50-yard shooting the bull's-eye is 8 inches in 
diameter and contains the 8, 9, and 10 rings. 
This target is well suited for target practice 
at this range. It has been used extensively 



88 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

since 1886. Ten shots, with one hundred for 
the possible, usually constitute a score. 




Fig. 77— The U. S. R. A. Combination Target 
(Standard American rings in heavy lines and Interna- 
tional in light lines.) 

This target as supplied by the United States 
Revolver Association for use in all the out- 
door championships shows also the rings of the 
International Union target (in light lines) and 
-is known as the " Combination " target. The 
International target rings do not interfere in 



TARGETS 89 

any way with the shooting or the scoring by 
Standard American count, and they have the 
distinct advantage that the marksman may 
easily determine, for purposes of comparison, 
what any score is by International count. 




Fig. 78 — The International Union Target. 
Diameter of 10 ring==5 Centimeters=i.9568 Ins. Other 
rings=2^ Centimeters, about 0.984 In. Diameter of 1 
ring=5o Centimeters=about igyh In. 

The International Union Target is used in 
the Olympic Games Matches, and has been 



90 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 






adopted by nearly all the European and South 
American countries for pistol and revolver con- 
tests at 50 meters. It is without doubt the 
best target for the purpose in general use. The 
ten-ring represents approximately the average 
dispersion of the most accurate revolvers and 
pistols and with the concentric rings a uni- 
form distance apart, the score has a proper 
relation to the dispersion of the shots. The 
size of the target, about 19^4 inches in di- 
ameter, is also well determined. The target 
could be improved by increasing the size of the 
bull's-eye so as to include the 6 ring. This 
would make sighting on it less straining and 
would improve the scores. The target so modi- 
fied would be better adapted for the United 
States Revolver Association Matches than the 
one now used. 

Target L is the Regulation Pistol Target 
used in the prescribed target practice of the 
War Department. It is used also in the Na- 
tional Pistol Match. 

For gallery shooting at 20 yards the Stand- 
ard American Target is reduced so that the 
bull's-eye is 2-72/100 inches in diameter, and 
for 1 o-yard shooting 1 inch in diameter. 

An arm of large caliber has a decided ad- 
vantage over one of small caliber in short- 
range shooting, on account of the larger hole 



TARGETS 



91 




Fig. 79— Target L. (U. S. Army.) 
Diameter of Bull's-eye Counting 10=5 Ins. 
Concentric Rings Around It, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4, are l& 

Ins. Apart. 
Diameter of 4 ring=26 Ins. Diameter of 3 ring =46 

Ins. 

Rest of Target, 4ft x 6ft. Counts 2. 



92 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

made by the bullet, and, for this reason the 
large calibers are preferred for gallery shoot- 
ing. For distances less than 25 yards not more 
than five shots should be fired on a paper or 
cardboard target. In case a close group is 
made, the scoring will be much easier and more 
accurate than when ten shots are fired at a 
single target. 

The best grades of target arms are capable 
of making " possibles " or perfect scores on the 
Standard American Target, using regulation 
ammunition. To make high scores is therefore 
simply a question of skill on the part of the 
shooter. 

A great many other targets designed prin- 
cipally for rifle-shooting have been recom- 
mended at different times by well-known and 
scientific marksmen. Some of these targets 
possess much merit and have become popular 
in certain localities. It is unquestionably a mis- 
take to introduce new targets in this manner 
as long as satisfactory targets are in general 
use, and on which all the important matches 
and records have been shot. The merit of a 
score on a new target cannot be judged by those 
unfamiliar with it, and frequently a highly 
meritorious score fails to receive the recognition 



TARGETS 93 

it deserves on account of having been shot on 
a comparatively unknown target. 

In selecting a target for longer ranges than 
50 yards it is always preferable to have the 
bull's-eye sufficiently large so as to be seen with 
ease and comfort when sighting. Small bull's- 
eyes strain and tire the eyes and have no ad- 
vantage whatever. 

In England and France the targets generally 
have smaller bull's-eyes than here. At Bisley, 
the shooting is principally at a distance of 20 
yards on a bull's-eye 2 inches in diameter. At 
50 yards the bull's-eye is 4 inches in diameter. 
The English targets have no circles of count 
within the bull's-eye. The regulation targets 
of the United Shooting Societies of France 
have bull's-eyes 5 and 6 centimeters in di- 
ameter for the pistol and revolver, respectively, 
at 20 meters, and 20 centimeters in diameter 
for 50-meter shooting. All these targets have 
two or more circles of count within the bull's- 
eye. 



CHAPTER VIII 

TARGET PRACTICE 

IN order to become familiar with the arms 
and develop skill in shooting, careful and 
systematic practice is necessary. This can 
be most conveniently and intelligently obtained 
in target-shooting. At a properly equipped 
range, each shot is " spotted "* as fired, so that 
the shooter can tell instantly where each shot 
strikes. This is a great aid and advantage, as 
it enables the shooter to note the effect of 
changes in light, wind, slight displacements in 
sights, etc., and modify his work accordingly. 
The usual distance is 50 yards in the outdoor 
matches and 20 yards in the indoor contests. 
Very good shooting has been done at 100 
yards, and even at 200 yards, but such long- 
range shooting is rarely attempted except by 

*The position of a shot accurately indicated by^ a 
marker from a pit or safe place near the target. A disc 
of sufficient size to be seen easily from the firing point 
attached to the end of a pole is used for this purpose, 
the marker placing the disc over the shot hole for a few 
seconds immediately after each shot is fired. 

94 



TARGET PRACTICE 95 

the very best shots. The whole target being so 
small at that distance, a shot need not be very 
wild to miss the target. Such an occurrence is 
very unsatisfactory and disconcerting even to 
a fairly skillful shot. There is, moreover, 
nothing to be gained by extremely long-range 
work. The pistol and revolver are not de- 
signed for it, and there is much more pleasure 
and satisfaction at the shorter ranges. 

It is customary and desirable to practise at 
the target under conditions governing the an- 
nual championship matches. This accustoms 
one to those conditions, and is a decided ad- 
vantage if one expects to enter the competitions. 
It is also excellent training for record shoot- 
ing. In target practice with military arms, 
regulation full-charge ammunition should be 
used in all cases, especially when practising 
rapid-fire shooting. With target weapons, re- 
duced charges are frequently used, and the 
shooting is generally slow and deliberate. 

Target practice is required in all the branches 
of the military and naval service of the United 
States. This practice varies somewhat from 
year to year both in character and amount. The 
recent adoption of the magazine pistol as the 
service weapon by the War Department has 
resulted in a number of changes in the regula- 



96 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

tion target practice, the conditions and details 
of which are fully explained in the " Small 
Arms Firing Manual" for 1914. 

The Manual also details a prescribed course 
of target practice for the Organized Militia, 
which includes the National Guard of the vari- 
ous states. This is adapted principally to the 
revolver, as the National Guard has not yet 
been armed with the regulation automatic pis- 
tol. As fast as the latter is issued, the organ- 
ized militia will adopt the target practice pre- 
scribed for the army with the regulation 
weapon. 

The revolver until 19 15 was the service 
weapon of the United States Navy, but it has 
now been superseded by the automatic pistol 
(Colt, Government Model, .45 cal.). The 
19 17 firing regulations are novel and drastic, 
in some respects are much more elastic than 
those formerly in effect, and are very practical. 
They are published in a pamphlet of 62 pages. 

A digest of all the foregoing target practice 
will be found in the Appendix. 

Matches and Competitions — Various matches 
and competitions have been established under 
the auspices of the recognized shooting organ- 
izations which not only give an opportunity of 
testing the skill of individuals and teams but 



TARGET PRACTICE 97 

also, by the scores made in successive years 
under the same conditions, indicate the improve- 
ment and advance in the sport. Most of these 
matches or competitions are annual events. The 
International Matches at the Olympic Games 
take place every four years. 

The conditions of the annual championship 
matches of the United States Revolver As- 
sociation are excellent and the experience of 
fourteen years since they have been instituted 
proves that they are well adapted to stimulate 
interest in the sport, improvement in the arms 
and ammunition and develop a high order of 
marksmanship. The matches are conducted 
simultaneously in many places throughout the 
Unied States under the supervision of author- 
ized representatives and under as nearly ident- 
ical conditions as possible. 

In connection with these matches re-entry 
matches under the same conditions are provided 
which furnish preliminary practice for com- 
petitors who wish to enter the championship 
events. The League contest which is conducted 
by this association affords excellent practice 
indoors, and enables the marksmen to keep In 
good form during the winter months. 

The " National Pistol Match" is an annual 
event conducted by the National Rifle Associa- 



.98 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

tion of America. It is specially interesting and 
instructive as it affords an opportunity for civil- 
ians to compete in the same contest with the 
best shots in the Army, Navy and National 
Guard. 

The conditions, prizes, and complete details 
of all these annual matches will be found in the 
Appendix. 

From time to time special contests are ar- 
ranged such as the Pan American Matches held 
at Camp Perry, Ohio, in 19 13, the Interna- 
tional Shooting Festival to be held at San Fran- 
cisco in 19 1 5 during the Panama Fair, etc. The 
matches of such special meetings often vary in 
their conditions. Special prizes are provided 
for the occasion. 



CHAPTER IX 

REVOLVER PRACTICE FOR THE POLICE 

THE revolver is a part of the regular 
equipment of the police force of nearly 
every city in this country. Unfortunately 
the general lack of any regulations for the care 
of and the practice with these arms largely nulli- 
fies their usefulness. Even in the large cities, 
members of the police force frequently admit 
that they have not used or cleaned their arms 
for six months or more. An inspection of the 
arms under such conditions not infrequently 
reveals the fact that center-fire arms are 
loaded with rim-fire ammunition, and vice- 
versa. The mechanism is often so badly rusted 
that the cylinder will not revolve and the barrel 
so corroded as to seriously impair its accuracy. 
When occasion requires the use of the arms 
under such conditions, accidents almost in- 
variably result, either to the policemen who 
attempt to fire the arms, or to the innocent by- 
standers and property. 

The records of every large municipality show 
that large sums are annually disbursed in litiga- 

99 



100 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

tion and to individuals who have suffered either 
personal wounds or property damage from ac- 
cidents of this character. 

By adopting suitable arms, and regulations 
governing practice shooting with them, it is en- 
tirely practicable and comparatively easy to 
train a large police force to become good marks- 
men. The possibility of accidents is thus re- 
duced to a minimum and the efficiency of the 
men increased to a maximum. The moral ef- 
fect of a high order of marksmanship of an en- 
tire police force, when generally known, cannot 
be overestimated. Practice and skill in the use 
of the revolver embodies the essential elements 
of rifle shooting, so that in case of riot, in- 
surrection, or war, a large police force could 
be made quickly available for duty with very 
little additional instruction, by arming them 
with rifles. 

A practical plan to develop such results is as 
follows: The services of a competent person 
to teach the men must first be secured. This 
man should be an experienced and skillful 
marksman with the revolver and be qualified 
to maintain proper discipline and teach the 
subject in all its details. A suitable range 
must next be provided. Two men from each 
precinct selected for their fitness to become in- 



PRACTICE FOR THE POLICE 101 

structors should then be detailed to take a pre- 
scribed course of training and practice under 
the teacher referred to. Each of these men 
should devote not less than four hours a week 
to this course. In four months' time these men 
should be qualified to undertake the work of 
training and instructing others under the 
inspection and supervision of the original 
teacher. After providing sufficient range fa- 
cilities, squads of men from each precinct should 
then be detailed for practice and instruction 
under their own instructors, devoting at least 
two hours per man per week to this work. At 
least one and one-half hours of this time should 
be devoted to actual practice shooting. After 
sufficient skill has been developed, teams of the 
different precincts should shoot matches with 
each other, which will keep up a friendly rival- 
ry and promote interest in their work. 

By adopting such a plan it is possible, within 
a year from its inception, to convert an entire 
police force into perfectly safe and reliable 
shots of good ability; L e. } such ability as would 
enable all of them to hit an object the size of 
a man every time at 50 paces. The mistake is 
sometimes made of requiring the men to prac- 
tice during off-duty time; this has never proved 
successful. 



102 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

After the first year, or after a sufficient de- 
gree of skill has been developed, the efficiency 
of the men can be preserved and maintained by 
devoting an hour every two weeks to regula- 
tion practice. There is little doubt but that the 
cost of the time and ammunition devoted to 
such a course of training would be more than 
offset by the elimination or a large portion of 
the accidents, litigation, etc., that result under 
the present conditions. 

Much of the efficiency that it is possible to 
attain depends upon the character of the regu- 
lation arm that may be adopted for police 
service. Such an arm should be of large cali- 
ber and sufficient power to fulfil the require- 
ments. When carried in the pocket the pers- 
piration of the body causes rust, and a nickel 
finish will therefore generally be more service- 
able than any other. The sights, hammers and 
other projections should be of suitable form, 
and as referred to in the text under " Pocket 
Arms." In order to secure suitable accuracy, 
the barrel should be 4 inches in length and the 
trigger pull 4 pounds. A first-class weapon for 
police service is the .38-caliber Smith & Wesson 
safety hammerless, the .38-caliber or .32- cali- 
ber Colt Police Positive or the .32 caliber 
Smith & Wesson hand ejector revolver. The 



PRACTICE FOR THE POLICE 103 

.38-caliber Smith & Wesson safety hammerless 
is particularly well adapted for police service, 
the safety feature making accidental discharge 
almost impossible, and being also a decided ad- 
vantage in case the weapon should fall into the 
hands of an unskilled antagonist. 

In all cases a regulation arm and ammunition 
should be adopted so as to secure uniformity 
and involve the purchase of only one line of 
supplies and ammunition. 

The following course of instruction and 
regulations for practice shooting are recom- 
mended: 

Revolver Practice 

Regulations. — All members of the Depart- 
ment are obliged to practice shooting with the 
regulation arm, at least two hours in each 
calendar month. The captain of each precinct 
will designate the time and place for instruction 
and practice for each individual under his juris- 
diction. 

Every member of the department will be 
expected to qualify in one of the three classes : 
Marksman, Sharpshooter, or Expert, and will 
be rated accordingly. Decorations of suitable 
design will be awarded to those qualifying; the 



104 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

decoration to be worn directly under the shield. 
Ratings in any year will be determined by the 
average scores made by each individual in the 
three months prior to January first of that year, 
on which date decorations will be awarded an- 
nually. A member failing to qualify in any 
class shall be rated a Beginner, and if holding a 
decoration awarded the preceding year shall 
surrender same. 

All practice shooting shall be in the pre- 
scribed order in each class as given below. 
Entries unlimited. Each individual must qual- 
ify at each stage before he can be advanced to 
the next stage. All shooting to be done under 
the following: 

General Conditions. The position shall be standing, free 
from any support, the weapon being held in one hand 
with the arm extended so as to be free from the body. 
Target, standard American 200-yd. rifle target with 8-in. 
bullseye, outside dimensions 28^ in. by 28^ in. Ammu- 
nition shall be the regulation full charge, factory loaded, 
brought to the firing point in the original package. Arms 
shall not be loaded except at the firing point, when the 
competitor is ready to shoot his score. All scores to be 
10 shots, fired in two strings of 5 shots each. Slow fire 
to be timed after the first shot of each string. Rapid fire 
to be timed as follows : The competitor standing at the 
firing point with the arm loaded, not cocked, and the 
barrel pointing downward in a direction not less than 45 
degrees from the target, when ready to begin each string 
shall say, "Ready/' The scorer, watch in hand, when 
the second hand reaches an even 10-second point on the 
dial, will give the command " Fire," after which the com- 
petitor raises and cocks his weapon and begins his string. 
Just as the time limit for each string expires the scorer 
shall announce, " Time." If a shot is fired after the time 



PRACTICE FOB THE POLICE 105 

limit has elapsed, the shot of highest count shall be de- 
ducted from the string. In case of misfire, accidental 
discharge, or defective ammunition, it shall be scored as 
a shot and if the bullet does not strike the target it shall 
be scored zero. Ties and all other details not covered by 
these conditions to be decided by and to comply with the 
Rules and Regulations of the U. S. Revolver Association. 

Marksman Course 

Slow Fire: — 10 shots at 10 yds. One minute for each 
string of five shots. Possible, ioo; qualifying score, 90. 

Rapid Fire: — 10 shots at 10 yds. 30 seconds for each 
string of five shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80 

Sharpshooter Course 

Slow Fire: — 10 shots at 20 yds. One minute for each 
string of five shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 90. 

Rapid Fire: — 10 shots at 20 yds. 30 seconds for each 
string of five shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80. 

Expert Course 

Slow Fire: — 10 shots at 20 yds. 30 seconds for each 
string of five shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 90. 

Rapid Fire: — 10 shots at 20 yds. 15 seconds for each 
string of five shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80. 

Inasmuch as regular instruction and practice 
in revolver shooting has been instituted in 
only a few of the larger cities of this country, 
the police of other cities in the absence of such 
training, or its equivalent, have so little knowl- 
edge as to the proper use and care of the re- 
volver that the arm adds little or nothing to 
their efficiency. To assist such policemen in- 
dividually who have the ambition to increase 
their efficiency by their own initiative, the fol- 
lowing practical suggestions and general rules 
will prove helpful: 



106 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

General Rules and Instructions 

Never point a revolver in any direction where it would 
do harm if it went off accidentally. Always observe this 
rule whether the arm is loaded or not. 

In carrying the loaded revolver on the person see that 
the hammer rests between two cartridges. (Or if of the 
rebounding hammer type have one chamber of the cylin- 
der empty and opposite the hammer.) 

When necessary to use the revolver on vicious dogs, 
etc., such animals should be driven into a rear yard or 
alley where there is soft ground to stop the bullets. 
Never shoot on the sidewalk or a paved street where it 
can be avoided, on account of the liability of the bullet 
glancing off and doing serious damage. Similarly when 
firing to attract attention, shoot into soft ground or a 
heavy timber, when practicable, instead of into the air. 

Never attempt to shoot while running. Stop for a mo- 
ment and take deliberate aim. The shots will then be 
effective. 

Thoroughly clean and oil the revolver as soon after 
using it as practicable. If carried on the person regularly 
it should be overhauled and re-oiled inside the barrel and 
cylinder as well as outside, once a week, to keep it in 
good condition. 

In case regular practice shooting is not provided when 
on duty, practice target shooting when off duty, firing at 
least 50 shots once a month and following the prescribed 
course as given in this chapter as near as possible. 



CHAPTER X 

PISTOL SHOOTING FOR LADIES 

THE great majority of ladies have some 
inherent dread of all varieties of fire- 
arms. This is no doubt largely due to 
the senseless and irresistible desire of inexperi- 
enced persons to indulge in a mock-heroic dis- 
play and flourish of such arms when in the 
presence of ladies. All useless demonstration 
and ostentation with fire arms serves only to 
distinguish those who are unfamiliar with their 
proper manipulation and use. Persons hand- 
ling arms in this manner should be avoided, or 
promptly compelled to desist. Many of the 
accidents of the " I did not know it was loaded " 
order occur in this manner. 

There is nothing occult or mysteriously dan- 
gerous about fire arms, but their potential 
power must never be forgotten in handling 
them. As a weapon of defense the revolver 
places the weakest and most diminutive person 
skilled in its use, on an equality with the most 

107 



108 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

powerful antagonist. Ladies who travel ex- 
tensively and visit semi-civilized countries, 
especially the wives and daughters of men in 
the diplomatic service and of the army and 
navy officers assigned to foreign stations, should 
be thoroughly familiar with fire arms and skilled 
in their use. 

The necessity of knowing how to shoot, like 
knowing how to swim, may occur but once in 
a woman's lifetime, but when occasion does re- 
quire either, it is generally under circumstances 
involving peril to life, and for that reason 
both are advantageous and valuable accomplish- 
ments. Every woman should, therefore, be 
sufficiently familiar with fire arms to know how 
to handle them safely, and, in emergency, to 
use them with intelligence. While skill in the 
use of the pistol and revolver is a useful ac- 
complishment, the practice of shooting with 
these arms will prove exceedingly interesting. 
Target practice with the 22-caliber pistol is 
particularly well suited for ladies, and those 
who have the opportunity to indulge in it have 
invariably found it an enjoyable and fascinat- 
ing pastime. There is every reason, too, to 
believe that ladies would excel and develop a 
higher order of skill in pistol shooting than 
gentlemen, because they are generally more 



SHOOTING FOR LADIES 109 

temperate and possess a more delicate nervous 
system. 

A number of civilian shooting clubs have 
successful ladies' auxiliary clubs. There are 
at the present time a large number of ladies 
who are skillful markswomen with the pistol 
and revolver. 

Any of the target pistols referred to in the 
text under the subject of Arms (except the 
Remington pistol, which is a very heavy piece) 
are suitable for ladies' use. A very serviceable 
and handsome combination is furnished by 
Smith & Wesson, which consists of their regu- 




Figure 80. 
Combination Set.— -Smith & Wesson 38-Cal. Revolver, 
22-Cal. Pistol, Utensils, etc., in Case. 



110 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

lar target pistol with a io-inch barrel and an 
interchangeable .38-caliber revolver barrel and 
cylinder, fitting to the same stock. These are 
furnished in a special case with cleaning rods, 
etc., making a complete and attractive set. 
The .22-caliber Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector 
with a 6-inch barrel and .22-caliber Colt Po- 
lice Positive Target revolvers are also well 
adapted for ladies' use. 

It is well to begin practice with a .22- caliber 
pistol, as this is a light and very pleasant charge 
to shoot, and the tendency to " flinch " is re- 
duced to a minimum. After a fair degree of 
skill has been developed with the .22-caliber 
pistol reduced charges with a revolver may be 
tried and from this stage the practice shooting 
can progress to the regulation full charges. It 
is desirable that ladies should have a little 
practice with the revolver with full charged am- 
munition, so as to be able to manipulate it 
with sufficient confidence and skill in case of 
necessity. 



CHAPTER XI 

CLUBS AND RANGES* 

WHENEVER three or more persons in 
any locality are interested in rifle or 
revolver shooting, a club can gener- 
ally be organized and additional members se- 
cured. If the business affairs are properly 
and conservatively managed, much pleasure will 
result for the members at a nominal cost. Ap- 
proximate ideas of the cost of constructing and 
maintaining ranges and indoor " galleries " can 
generally be obtained by communicating with 
the officers of existing clubs. In preparing the 
Constitution and By-Laws, that of the United 
States Revolver Association will be an excellent 
guide. t The secretary-treasurer of that associ- 
ation will be able to give valuable assistance to 
new clubs. 

*For a complete detailed description of range construc- 
tion, including illustrations, practical working drawings, 
etc., the reader is referred to " Rifle Range Construction," 
published by the E. I. du Pont Powder Company, Rifle 
Smokeless Division, Wilmington, Del. 

f See Appendix. 

ill 



112 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

The first requisite of a shooting club is a 
suitable range. A 50-yard range adapted to 
pistol and revolver practice can be constructed 
at a comparatively small expense. At the firing 
point a room or house should be provided with 
booths at least three feet wide with openings 
facing the targets. A substantial butt must be 
supplied behind the targets to stop the bullets, 
including the wildest shots. This should be 
an earthen embankment, or may be a natural 
uninhabited hill with a steep slope toward the 
range. The range should be measured and laid 
out by an engineer, or other competent person 
using a steel tape. A pit at least Sy 2 feet 
deep should be dug for the safe accommodation 
of the markers, and provided with a safely 
shielded side entrance. The uprights and other 
target framing should set against the back side 
of this pit. The width of the pit from the 
framing toward the firing point should be 5 
feet, and the length should be made about 35^ 
feet for each set of alternating targets. The 
alternating target frames to which the targets 
are to be attached may be of wood with heavy 
canvas stretched over them. The frames should 
be at least 30 inches square and should be so 
arranged that they can easily be moved up and 
down between the vertical posts in grooves 



CLUBS AND RANGES 113 

or slides, like " double-hung " window sash, 
and so as to balance each other by means of 
cords running over pulleys located in the posts 
at about the height of the bottom of the target 
when in its highest position, the cords being at- 
tached to the lower corners of the frames. 
They should be so adjusted that when one 
target is at the top and in position to be fired 
at, the other is at the bottom of the pit. Over 
each set of alternating targets and attached 
to a cross piece at the top of the uprights 
should be placed large numbers from 3 to 10 
inclusive, for marking each target. A roof or 
shelter should be erected so as to shade the 
target and keep out the rain. Suitable timbers 
or steel plates should be provided to protect 
the slides or grooves between the targets from 
damage by wild shots. Steel plates are some- 
times placed a short distance behind the targets, 
slanting forward at the top, to positively stop 
the majority of the bullets, but these must be 
far enough behind the targets or inclined suf- 
ficiently so that the spatter of lead will not in- 
jure the men in the pit. If possible, have the 
targets so located that they are due north of 
the firing point. 

Such a range is operated as follows : A marker 
is sent into the pit for each target to be oper- 



114 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 




Figure 81 
Details of Alternating Targets, Pit, etc., for 50- Yard 
Range. 



CLUBS AND RANGES 115 

ated; paper targets having been pasted to the 
canvas on the frames a sufficient length of time 
previously so as to be dry. The marker pulls 
down one of the targets which raises the other 
into the firing position. As soon as the shot is 
fired, the marker, using a io-foot rod with an 
iron disc 2% inches in diameter fastened on the 
end as a pointer " spots " the shot by placing 
the disc over the bullet hole, and then pointing 
to one of the numbers over the target corres- 
ponding to the value of the shot. The disc on 
the pointer should have one side painted white 
so that it can be easily distinguished when cov- 
ering shots in the bull's-eye. 

The scorer at the firing point then scores the 
shot as indicated by the marker. The marker 
then raises the target at the bottom of the pit 
in position for the next shot, which brings the 
first target down into the pit where the marker 
covers the bullet hole with a paster. This 
operation is repeated for each shot. 

Where a score of ten consecutive shots is to 
be be made on each paper target without cov- 
ering the bullet holes with pasters, as in the 
United States Revolver Association Matches, 
the target is fastened to the frame with double 
pointed carpet tacks and left in the firing posi- 
tion until the ten shot score is completed, each 



116 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

shot being " spotted," marked, and scored as 
fired. When the score is completed, another 
paper target having been placed on the alter- 
nating frame in the pit, the latter is raised 
promptly ready for the next score. 

In large cities it is often necessary to provide 
a suitable range for target shooting indoors and 
by artificial light. Such a range is designated 
a " gallery." The standard range is 20 yards 
for the revolver and pistol, and 25 yards for 
the rifle. The arrangement at the firing point 
is practically the same as in the case of the 50- 
yard ranges, the booths being at least 3 feet 
wide. On account of the small size of the tar- 
get and the short distance, it is feasible to move 
the target back and forth, from the firing point 
to the butt by " trolleys " operated by a hand 
wheel, the latter being located generally at the 
left hand side in the booth at the firing point. 
The " trolley " carriage consists of a heavy 
steel spring clamp holding a cardboard target 
(about 9 inches square) at the top edge of the 
target, the carriage being supported by a No. 8 
or 10-gauge wire stretched from the firing point 
to the butt, at a level of about 2 feet above the 
line of fire. The supporting wires are attached 
to the wood-work at the firing point by means 
of eye-bolts, which also regulate the tension of 



CLUBS AND RANGES 




118 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

the wires. The trolleys are operated back and 
forth by an endless braided cord passing 
around angles over pulleys screwed to the 
wood-work of the booth, and around the hand 
wheel. A steel plate with the lower part in- 
clined away from the firing point 20 or 30 de- 
grees is placed about 12 inches back of the tar- 
gets to stop the bullets and prevent them from 
gouging out the wall or wood-work behind. 
By deflecting the plates as described, the spat- 
ter of lead is directed downward, and thus pre- 
vents damage to the wood-work around the 
targets. A suitable background behind the tar- 
gets may be provided by white or light gray 
paint, or by a suitable fabric. 

If the splatter of the bullets mars the targets, 
a shield of i-inch boards can be erected and 
maintained between the target and the steel 
plate. 

The lighting may be accomplished by a line 
of gas jets or electric lights about 2 feet in front 
of the targets and at the same distance either 
above or below them. At least two jets should 
be used to light each target, otherwise the 
flicker of the gas jets makes the light unsatis- 
factory. The reflectors should be of tin or 
other metal, polished or painted white. Glass 
is too fragile for this purpose. Heavy timbers 



CLUBS AND RANGES 119 

or steel plates must be provided to protect the 
lights and piping from wild shots. A telescope 
is mounted in each booth to enable the marks- 
man to see the location of shots in the bull's- 
eye. 

When floor space is limited the rifle ranges 
can sometimes be located over the revolver 
ranges, or the latter, if the range is in a cellar, 
may be depressed by constructing a pit of a 
suitable depth at the firing point. The booths 
for rifle shooting and the operation of the tar- 
gets are practically the same as already de- 
scribed. 

It is best to complete all the work at the 
target end of the range first. After the location 
of the targets is definitely fixed the position of 
the firing line can be determined by making the 
distance from the target to the firing point two 
inches in excess of 20 yards or 50 yards as the 
case may be. The slight excess distance does 
not affect the shooting appreciably, but it is im- 
portant in order to avoid any possibility of 
having scores disqualified in case the range 
should be questioned and later be checked or 
verified and found " short." It is desirable 
whenever possible to have the ranges of the 
standard lengths especially if matches with 
other clubs are contemplated. 



120 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

The table for cleaning arms, and for tools, 
should never be placed near the booths, but on 
the opposite side of the room, to avoid con- 
gestion at the firing line. 

The floor on which the contestants stand at 
the firing line must be firm and solid, so as not 
to vibrate or move when others walk about in 
close proximity. A concrete floor covered with 
a carpet or rug of firm texture is excellent. 

In indoor shooting smokeless powder and re- 
duced charges are always to be preferred. 
When artificial ventilation is provided, some 
shooting may be done with black powder am- 
munition, but the range soon fills with smoke, 
rendering the targets indistinct and the atmo- 
sphere unpleasant. Gallery practice is very 
valuable, as it enables one to preserve good 
form in the winter months, in localities where 
it is too cold to shoot with comfort and pleasure 
out-of-doors. 

The following simple rules should be printed 
and posted in conspicuous places in every shoot- 
ing range or gallery: 

RULES 

Arms shall be unloaded until the contestant is at the 
firing point. 

Loaded arms shall be handled with the muzzle pointing 
toward the targets, 






V 




CLUBS AND RANGES 121 

Automatic arms shall be used only under the personal 
direction of the Shooting Master. 

Contestants are requested to use the greatest care in 
handling arms at all times. 

The authority of the Shooting Master in charge shall 
be absolute. 

The rules of the United States Revolver Association 
shall govern all match shooting. 

The above rules must be strictly observed and will be 
enforced. 

The Walnut Hill Range of the Massachusetts 
Rifle Association is one of the best 50-yard 
revolver ranges in the country. A well-equip- 
ed gallery of up-to-date design is that of the 
Crescent Athletic Club, Brooklyn, N. Y. 



CHAPTER XII 

HINTS TO BEGINNERS* 

SELECTION OF ARMS.— There is no 
4J single arm that can be used advantage- 
ously for all classes of shooting. It is 
therefore necessary in the first place to decide 
for what purpose the arm is to be used. A 
careful perusal of the text under " Arms " and 
" Ammunition," will be of assistance in reach- 
ing a decision. The next step is the selection 
of the arm. As already stated, the cheap, un- 
reliable, and unsafe arms are to be carefully 
avoided. It is preferable to buy a second- 
hand arm of a reputable manufacturer, if in 
good condition, than a new one of inferior 
make. Second-hand arms frequently have de- 
fects that cannot be detected by the novice, and, 
if obliged to buy a second-hand arm, it is advis- 
able to ask some expert shot to assist in making 
the selection. The price of the best grades of 

*Under < this subject the author aims to give helpful 
practical information and advice for the benefit of all 
who wish to acquire skill in pistol and revolver shooting. 

122 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 123 

pistols and revolvers is, fortunately, within the 
reach of almost every one, and, if at all pos- 
sible, new arms should be purchased. 

In any case, whether a new or a second-hand 
arm is to be chosen, it is well to examine and 
handle all the different models of the best 
makers. The fit and feel of the arm are very 
important. Select an arm that feels comfort- 
able, and which, when properly held, fits the 
hand so that the first joint of the trigger finger 
just touches the trigger when that part of the 
finger is bent at right angles to the barrel. 

The correct manner of holding the pistol or 
revolver is shown in Fig. 84 and illustrates 
how the hand should fit the arm. Note par- 
ticularly the position of the trigger finger and 
the thumb. The trigger finger in this position 
acts directly backward in pressing the trigger, 
and the thumb assists materially in steadying 
the piece. If the piece is too large for the hand, 
the trigger finger will be more or less extended, 
and will pull side-wise to a greater or less de- 
gree, and thus increase the difficulty of fine 
shooting. Fig 84a illustrates the approved 
position of the thumb when the locking catch 
interferes with the extended thumb. The fit of 
the arm is much more important, and has a 
vastly greater effect upon the results than fine 



124 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

distinctions between the merits of the different 
arms. Any of those named are excellent and 
are capable of shooting much more accurately 
than they can possibly be held by the most 
expert shots. A man with a large hand will 
probably find the Remington pistol or the Colt 
New Service revolver best suited for him;; 
another with a hand of medium size will find 
the S. & W. pistol or the S. & W. Russian 
Model revolver most desirable; while another 
still, with a small hand, may prefer the Stevens 
pistol or the .38-caliber military revolver, 
either the S. & W. or the Colt. 

If an arm is wanted for steady use, select 
the plain blue finish, and wood handles ; elabo- 
rate engraving and gold, silver, copper, or 
nickel finished arms are handsome and pleas- 
ing, but, if much used, become burnt and dis- 
colored where the powder gases escape, and 
soon become unsightly. A blued finish is also 
to be preferred when shooting in the sunlight. 
Most arms as offered on the market have hard 
rubber handles. These become smooth and 
slippery when the hand \ erspires, and are not 
as desirable as wood handles. A few expert 
shots prefer pearl handles. 

The trigger pull should have the smallest 
possible travel and be smooth and positive. 




Fig. 84 e — Correct 

Manner of Holding 

the Revolver with Thumb 

Extended 



Fig. 84 a. — Show 
Thumb when Loc 
Interferes with Extended Posi- 
tion 




HINTS TO BEGINNERS 125 

The smaller the travel of the* hammer and the 
more rapid its action, the quicker will be the 
discharge after pulling the trigger. If the 
trigger does not pull smooth and " sweet," or 
becomes u creepy " from wear, it should be 
corrected by a skilled gunsmith. While the 
rules allow a trigger pull of 2 pounds for the 
pistol and 2 T / 2 pounds for the target revolver, 
many expert shots prefer to have their arm 
pull from y 2 to 1 pound more. The rules al- 
so allow jy 2 and 8 inch barrels for the revolver. 
Many of the experienced shots prefer to have 
their revolvers balance near the trigger, and 
are of the opinion that the extra length of 
barrel above 6 T / 2 inches does not offset the 
disadvantage of poorer balance. In the pistol, 
however, the length of the barrel is invariably 
10 inches. Accuracy in aiming is lost very 
rapidly as the distance between the sights is 
reduced below 7^2 inches. 

For target shooting, the .22-caliber pistols 
will be found admirably suited for beginners. 
The charge being light, there is less liability to 
"flinch," a fault easily and most invariably ac- 
quired when the novice begins shooting with a 
heavy charge. The practice in aiming and pull- 
ing the trigger with these arms is excellent 
training and a first-rate and valuable prelimin- 



126 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

ary to the more difficult and practical work 
with the revolver. 

The double-action feature in a revolver is 
of very little practical value. Owing to the 
varying amount of resistance to the trigger in 
operating the mechanism, the aim is disturbed 
more than if the hammer is cocked with the 
thumb. Even in rapid-fire shooting better re- 
sults are obtained with a double-action arm if 
used as a single action. It is also more dif- 
ficult to make the trigger pull smooth and short 
in double-action mechanisms. 

Manipulation. — Most of the accidents with 
firearms are caused by carelessness and ignor- 
ance in manipulating them. The revolver and 
pistol, being much smaller, are more dangerous 
to handle than the rifle or shotgun. An experi- 
enced pistol shot can easily be singled out by 
the extreme care and unostentation with which 
he handles his arms. 

On picking up an arm, or if one is handed to 
you, open the action at once and make sure it is 
not loaded. Always do this, even if it is your 
own arm and you are quite sure it was not 
loaded when you last put it away; some one, 
without any idea of danger, may have loaded 
it in your absence. Cultivate and practise the 
habit of always holding the arm, whether loaded 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 127 

or unloaded, so that it points in a direction 
where it would do no harm if it were to go off 
unexpectedly. 

By observing these simple rules, serious ac- 
cidents will be impossible. No one should be 
allowed to handle firearms in a shooting club 
or participate in any of the public matches until 
these rules have been thoroughly mastered. 

Position and Aiming. — If you know of a club 
or shooting organization to which one or more 
first-rate pistol and revolver shots belong, it is 
well to join it, if possible. Much more rapid 
progress can be made by observation and by 
following the suggestions of experienced shots 
than if one is obliged to solve the various 
problems without such assistance or advice. 
In order to familiarize yourself with your arm, 
it is well to practise aiming and pulling the 
trigger before any actual shooting is attempted. 
By inserting an empty shell for the hammer 
to strike upon, the piece may be aimed and 
11 snapped " without injury. 

The position you adopt is very important. 
Stand firmly on both feet, with the body per- 
fectly balanced and turned at such an angle 
as is most comfortable when the arm is ex- 
tended toward the target in aiming. Let the left 
arm assume any position that may be comfort- 



128 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

able and natural. Select a small black spot 
with an extensive white background to sight 
at. A small black paster on a window-pane 
with the sky for a background, is excellent for 
this purpose. When the aiming is correct, that 
is, when the sights are properly aligned, their 
position with reference to the spot or bull's- 
eye should be as shown in Fig. 85. The top of 
the front sight should just make contact with 
the lower edge of the bull's-eye corresponding 
to the position of VI o'clock. It has been 
found by experience that it is less fatiguing to 
lower the arm, fully extended, holding the piece, 
to the target than to raise it up to the target. 




Fig. 85 — Correct Position of the Sights in Aiming at the 
Target. 

Firing. — With the pistol or revolver in the 
right hand cock the hammer with the thumb, 
making sure that the trigger finger is free from 
the trigger and resting against the forward 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 129 

inner surface of the trigger guard. In cocking 
the piece have the barrel pointing upward. 
Then extend the arm upward and forward, so 
that when you assume your firing position the 
piece will point about twenty degrees above the 
bull's-eye. With your eyes fixed on the bull's- 
eye at VI o'clock inhale enough air to fill the 
lungs comfortably and lower the piece gradu- 
ally until the line of the sights comes a short 
distance below the bull's-eye. Now, holding 
your breath and steadying the piece as well as 
you possibly can, bring the line of sights into 
the position shown in Fig. 85. At the same 
time gradually increase the pressure on the 
trigger directly backward, so that when the 
sights are pointing at the bull's-eye the hammer 
will fall. 

Be careful not to pull the trigger with a 
jerk, but ease it off with a gentle squeeze, so 
as not disturb the aim. Accustom yourself not to 
close the eye when the hammer falls, but note 
carefully where the line of the sights actually 
points at the instant that the hammer falls. 
You will, no doubt, find it almost impossible to 
pull the trigger at the moment the sights are 
just right. The hammer will fall when the 
line of sights may point a little too high or too 
low, or to one side or the other of the bull's- 



130 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

eye; but patient practice will correct this, and 
in time you will be able to let off the arm at 
the right moment. 

The pulling of the trigger is a very delicate 
operation; it is, in fact, the most important de- 
tail to master — the secret of pistol and re- 
volver shooting. If the trigger is pulled sud- 
denly, in the usual way, at the instant when the 
sights appear to be properly aligned, the aim 
is so seriously disturbed that a wild shot will 
result. To avoid this, the pressure on the trig- 
ger must always be steadily applied, and while 
the sights are in line with the bull's-eye. It is, 
of course, impossible to hold the arm abso- 
lutely still, and aim steadily at one point while 
the pressure is being applied to the trigger; 
but, in aiming, the unsteadiness of the shooter 
will cause the line of the sights to point above 




Fig. 86— Showing the Travel of the Line of the Sights 
About the Bull's-eye in Aiming 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 131 

the bull's-eye, then below it, to one side of it, 
and then to the other, back and forth and 
around it, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 
86. Each time that the line of the sights passes 
over the bull's-eye the smallest possible incre- 
ment of additional pressure is successively ap- 
plied to the trigger until the piece is finally dis- 
charged at one of the moments that the sights 
are in correct alignment. Long and regular 
practice alone will give the necessary training 
of the senses and muscles to act in sufficient 
harmony to enable one to pull the trigger in 
this way at the right moment for a long series 
of shots. A " fine sympathy " must be estab- 
lished between the hand, the eye, and the brain, 
rendering them capable of instant cooperation. 
After obtaining a fair idea of aiming, etc., 
watch carefully when the hammer falls, and 
note if it jars the piece and disturbs the aim. 
If not, you are holding the arm properly. If 
the aim is disturbed, you must grip the arm 
tighter or more loosely, or move your hand up 
or down on the handle, or otherwise change 
your method of holding the piece until your 
" hold " is such that you can snap the hammer 
and the aim remain undisturbed. This aim- 
ing and snapping drill is largely practised by 
expert shots indoors, when they do not have 



132 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

the opportunity to practise regularly out-of- 
doors. 

Target Practice.— It your first actual shoot- 
ing is done at the range of a club, it is best to 
ask one of the members to coach you until you 
get accustomed to the rules, etc. A target will 
be assigned to you, and you will repair to the 
firing point and load your arm. It is well to 
let your coach fire the first shot or two, to see 
if your piece is sighted approximately right. 
If so, you are ready to begin shooting. If the 
sights appear to be as in Fig. 85 at the mo- 
ment of discharge, then the bullet should hit 
the center of the bull's-eye. If, after several 
shots, you are convinced that the bullet does 
not strike where it should, the arm is not prop- 
erly sighted for you. 

In adjusting the sights you will find it an 
advantage to remember a very simple rule : To 
correct the rear sight, move it in the same di- 
dection as you would the shots on the target 
to correct them, or move the front sight in the 
opposite direction. Most target arms have the 
front sight non-adjustable, and the rear sight 
adjustable for both windage and elevation. A 
few arms have interchangeable or adjustable 
front sights for elevation. Move the sights 
a little at a time, according to the foregoing 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 133 

rules, until they are properly aligned. A few 
ten-shot scores should then be fired for record. 
As you become accustomed to the range, rules, 
etc., you will feel more at ease. This will in- 
spire confidence, and your shooting will im- 
prove correspondingly. 

Do not have your sights too fine. Fine sights 
are much more straining on the eyes, and have 
no advantage over moderately coarse sights. 
The rear sights as generally furnished are 
purposely made with very small notches, so as 
to enable individuals to make them any de- 
sired size. 

It is well to have the trigger pull at least % 
of a pound greater than the minimum allowed 
by the rules. If much used, the pull sometimes 
wears lighter; and if there is little or no mar- 
gin, you run the risk of having your arm dis- 
qualified when you wish to enter an important 
match. 

Never use other ammunition in your arm 
than that for which it is chambered. A num- 
ber of accidents and much difficulty have re- 
sulted from wrong ammunition. In the same 
caliber the actual diameter of the bullets fre- 
quently varies considerably, and a few shots, 
even if they should not prove dangerous, may 
lead the barrel, and thus cause much delay and 



134 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

annoyance. When a barrel is " leaded " from 
any cause it will become inaccurate. In such 
cases, particles of lead usually adhere to the 
inside of the barrel at or near the breech. A 
brass wire brush, of suitable size to fit the bar- 
rel, will generally remove it. When this fails, 
carefully remove all oil, cork up the opposite 
end of the barrel and fill it w'ith mercury, 
letting the latter remain in the barrel until the 
lead is removed. 

Occasionally the powder is accidentally omit- 
ted in loading a cartridge. When the primer 
explodes, the bullet may be driven partly 
through the barrel and remain in it. When 
this happens, whether from this cause or any 
other, always be careful to push the bullet out 
of the barrel before firing another shot. If 
the bullet is not removed, and another shot is 
fired, the barrel will be bulged and ruined. This 
may occur with a light gallery charge. 

When shooting the .22-caliber long rifle 
cartridge, there will be an occasional misfire. 
In withdrawing the cartridge the bullet will 
stick in the barrel and the powder spill into 
the action. To prevent this, hold the barrel 
vertically, with the muzzle up, and withdraw 
the shell carefully. Then remove the bullet in 
the barrel with a cleaning rod; or extract the 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 135 

bullet from a new cartridge, inserting the shell 
filled with powder into the chamber back of the 
bullet and fire it in the usual manner. 

Do not use BB caps in any pistol that you 
value. They arc loaded with a composition 
of fulminate of mercury in combination with 
other substances that cause rusting and the bul- 
lets have no lubrication. These caps will ruin 
a barrel in a very short time. The .22-caliber 
conical ball caps are loaded with black powder, 
and the bullets are lubricated, making this a 
much better cartridge; but it is best to adhere 
to the regular ,22 ammunition for which the arm 
is chambered. 

Never under any circumstances shoot at ob- 
jects on the heads or in the hands of persons. 
There is always a possibility of something going 
wrong, and such risk to human life is unjusti- 
fiable, no matter how skilful you may be. 

It is necessary to exercise extreme care in 
practising with the pocket revolver. Some per- 
sons delight in practising quick drawing from 
the pocket and firing one or more shots. This 
is dangerous work for the novice to attempt. 
Most of the pocket weapons are double action. 
If the finger is on the trigger and the arm 
catches in the pocket when drawing, a prema- 
ture discharge is likely to result, which is 



136 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

always unpleasant and sometimes disastrous. 
Practice in drawing the revolver from the 
pocket or holster should always be begun with 
the arm unloaded. Only after a fair degree 
of skill is acquired should actual shooting be 
attempted. For quick drawing from the pocket 
the only double-action revolvers that are fairly 
safe to handle are the S. & W. Safety Ham- 
merless, and the Colt " Double Action," which 
has a safety notch for the hammer to rest on. 

Drawing a revolver from a holster is easier 
and much less dangerous than drawing it from 
the pocket. Larger and more practical arms 
are generally carried in holsters, and such arms 
should be single action in all cases. In prac- 
tising with a holster weapon, fasten the holster 
on the belt, and anchor the belt so that the hol- 
ster will always be at the same relative position. 
The holster should be cut out so that the fore- 
finger can be placed on the trigger in drawing. 
Always carry a loaded revolver with the ham- 
mer resting on an empty chamber or between 
two cartridges. 

In the woods, or in localities where such 
shooting would not be likely to do any harm, 
it is good practice to shoot at a block of wood 
drifting down in the current of a swift-flowing 
stream, at a block of wood or a tin can swing- 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 137 

ing like a pendulum, from horseback at station- 
ary and moving objects, and from a moving 
boat at similar objects. Such practice is largely 
indulged in by cowboys, ranchmen, and others 
in the western part of the United States. The 
shooting is generally rapid-fire work with heavy 
charges at short range, and is to be commended 
as being extremely practical. 

Many of the published reports of wonderful 
shooting are gross exaggerations. The prowess 
of the so-called " Gun Men " of New York and 
other large cities is greatly over-estimated. 
These criminals do not practice shooting with 
the fire arms they use but operate by stealth 
and intrigue which makes them dangerous. They 
are, in fact, very poor marksmen, few of them 
being able to hit an object the size of a man 
more than 15 or 20 feet away. 

In shooting a long series of shots with black 
powder ammunition, when the rules allow it, the 
barrel should be cleaned and examined every six 
or ten shots, depending upon the clean-shooting 
qualities of the ammunition used. It is well to 
examine the shells, also, and note if the primers 
have been struck in the center. If not, then some 
of the mechanism is out of line, and the parts 
likely to have caused the trouble must be 
cleaned. 



138 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

After securing good, reliable arms, stick to 
them. Much time and progress is frequently 
lost by buying and trying different arms, am- 
munition, etc. If in any of your shooting, you 
should get results that are peculiar and un- 
satisfactory, make it your business to find out 
the cause of the difficulty, and remedy it as 
soon as possible. 

" Blazing away" a large quantity of am- 
munition carelessly and recklessly is absolutely 
valueless as practice, and is a waste of time. 
Give your whole attention to your work, and try 
your very best to place every shot in the center 
of the bull's-eye. 

It is very important to keep a full, detailed 
record of all your shooting, for comparison, 
study, etc. A suitable book should be provided 
for this purpose. Do not fall into the habit of 
preserving only a few of the best scores; but 
make it a rule to keep a record of every shot, 
and figure out the average of each day's work. 
The more painstaking and systematic you are, 
the more rapid will be your progress. By care- 
ful, intelligent work, it is possible to become 
a fair shot in three or four months, and a first- 
rate shot in a vear. 

Matches and Competitions. — After a number 
of good shots have been developed in any club, 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 139 

there is generally a desire to measure skill with 
the members of another club. This leads to 
friendly matches, which are usually very enjoy- 
able and instructive. Shooting in a match places 
a man under a certain strain which affects in- 
dividuals quite differently; some become ner- 
vous and shoot poorly when the best work is ex- 
pected of them, while others are braced up by 
the occasion and shoot more brilliantly than 
under ordinary conditions. 

Before competing in any match be sure to 
thoroughly familiarize yourself with all the con- 
ditions. This will prevent mistakes that fre- 
quently disqualify competitors and lead to disa- 
greeable controversies. Avoid getting into 
any arguments or disputes with range officers, 
or officials in charge of the matches, and partic- 
ularly while the matches are in progress. The 
range officers are invariably extremely busy 
and it is unjust to the other competitors to 
usurp more of their time than is your proper 
portion. They are generally intelligent men 
who have been selected because of their fitness 
for the positions they hold, and their decisions 
and rulings should be accepted as final. If for 
good cause you should wish to protest against 
any decision or rulmg of an officer in charge, 
do it in a quiet and gentlemanly way, and 



140 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

whether the rules require it or not, such protest 
should be made in writing. 

Beginners, as well as those who keep up their 
practice shooting, should enter the annual 
championships of the U. S. Revolver Associa- 
tion each year. These events are conducted by 
the Association in different parts of the country 
simultaneously, under as nearly identical con- 
ditions as possible. By this arrangement, long 
and expensive journeys to one place of meeting 
are avoided, and all those interested in the sport 
can participate without serious inconvenience. 

Competing in these events is extremely ad- 
vantageous and beneficial. It enables the be- 
ginner not only to note his improvement from 
year to year, but affords training and experience 
in shooting under real match conditions, and will 
correct any misinterpretation of the rules. The 
more experienced shot, by entering these con- 
tests is enabled to compare his skill with that 
of the leading marksmen of the country, and ac- 
curately determine his position among them 
from year to year. 

Persons wishing to compete in the an- 
nual championships should practice regularly 
throughout the year under the conditions of the 
matches; firing the full number of shots and 
within the specified time limits in all cases. 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 141 

The National Pistol Match and the National 
Rifle Association matches are generally held at 
some selected state or government range, and 
at a certain specified time. All the contestants 
are, therefore, shooting on the same ground 
and approximately under the same conditions. 
All these matches are shot in the open; i. e. 
without shelter or protection from the wind. 
When shooting under these conditions in the 
glaring sunlight, it is a decided advantage to 
wear suitable, colored large-lensed spectacles 
to temper the light and rest the eyes. The 
sights and top surfaces of the barrel should 
be smoked or blackened to prevent the reflection 
of light. This may be accomplished by burning 
a small piece of gum camphor, which makes an 
excellent smoke for this purpose, or by paint- 
ing with " sight black." A wide brimmed hat 
will also add to the shooter's comfort in the 
bright sunlight. Nailed or rubber soles for the 
boots or shoes are to be prefered because they 
do not wear slippery. 

In squadded competitions the weather con- 
ditions must be accepted as they are at the 
time of the shooting. In re-entry and individ- 
ual matches the time of the shooting is some- 
times optional with the competitor. When this 
is the case it is a decided advantage to select a 



142 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

time when the conditions of light, wind, etc., 
are most favorable. On normal clear days, the 
early forenoon, or just before sunset, are gen- 
erally the most favorable for suitable light. 
The wind generally slacks up to a certain de- 
gree also just before sundown. Immediately 
after a shower the conditions are sometimes 
excellent. 

The position of the target with reference to 
the sun must also be taken into consideration. 
It is generally best to shoot directly toward or 
directly away from the sun. Rapid-fire shooting 
in a gusty wind is perhaps more difficult than 
under any other conditions. When the wind is 
steady one can brace up against it and do fair 
shooting, but when it is unsteady there will in- 
variably be some wild shots. In deliberate un- 
timed shooting one can wait for a lull and 
get the shots in during such brief intervals. 

In practising rapid-fire shooting, great care 
is necessary in order to prevent accidents, 
especially in the case of the automatic pistols, 
which remain cocked and ready to pull the trig- 
ger after each shot. In shooting within a time 
limit, practise to use the entire period and en- 
deavor to do the best possible work, getting in 
the last shot just before the end of the period. 

In team matches always follow the in- 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 143 

structions and suggestions of your team cap- 
tain implicitly. Cooperate with him to the limit 
of your ability in developing the best and most 
consistent work of each member of the team. 
Always remember that the high average 
shooting of a team wins more matches than the 
brilliant shooting of an individual. 

In training for matches be abstemious and 
maintain good physical condition. If your liver 
is torpid it must be stimulated. Do not tire 
yourself with too much practice shooting. One 
or two hours practice daily is generally ample. 

Cleaning and Care of Arms. — To maintain 
the highest efficiency in an arm, it is necessary to 
keep it in perfect order. The working parts 
must be kept clean and oiled, and the barrel 
should receive special attention and care. The 
residue of some powders is less injurious than 
that of others, but the arm should in all cases 
be cleaned and oiled immediately after it has 
been used. The cleaning should be thorough. 
Heavy cotton flannel is excellent for this pur- 
pose. It should be perfectly dry. Much of the 
fouling will rub off without moisture, but if 
moisture is necessary to soften the fouling in 
places, use thin oil. Never use water, ordinary 
kerosene, or similar fluids. For certain kinds of 
smokeless powders, cleaning fluids have been 



144 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

prepared that give good results. Be careful 
to use the special fluid that is adapted to the 
particular powder used, as the wrong fluid may 
not accomplish the desired results. 

A good cleaning fluid for many of the Nitro 
Powders, such as "Bullseye," "R. S. Q," 
" Walsrode " etc., is Dr. Hudson's nitro solvent 
formula, as follows : 

Astral oil (or Kerosene free from acid). ..2 fluid ounces 

Sperm oil I fluid ounce 

Acetone i fluid ounce 

Turpentine i fluid ounce 

Note. — To make sure that the kerosene or Astral oil is 
free from acid, it can be shaken up with some washing 
soda, which will neutralize any free acid that may have 
been present. 

To clubs, or those who wish to make up a 
cleaning fluid in quantities, the above will prove 
very effective and inexpensive. 

For cleaning the inside of the barrel a wood- 
en rod is best. It should have a knob on the 
end of such size that one or two thicknesses 
of the cotton flannel around it will fit the bore 
snug and tight. Square patches of suitable size 
may then be cut in quantities and used as re- 
quired. Clean from the breech end of the bar- 
rel whenever possible. The slightest burr or 
injury at the muzzle will spoil the accuracy of 
an otherwise good barrel. Particular care 
should be exercised, especially if a steel rod 
with a slot is used, to prevent the wad from 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS 145 

" jamming" in the barrel. Continue cleaning 
the inside of the barrel until tight-fitting 
patches, when withdrawn, show no discolora- 
tion, and the barrel is warm from the friction 
of the cleaning. Then saturate a fresh patch 
with good oil and pass it through the barrel 
several times, making sure that the entire sur- 
face of the grooves has been thoroughly coated 
with oil. After the cylinder and other parts 
are cleaned, they should also be oiled 

A good oil for cleaning is " Three in One "; 
for preventing rust, use Winchester Gun Grease 
or refined sperm oil. Plenty of oil should be 
kept on the circle of teeth in which the pawl 
engages in revolving the cylinder. If smokeless 
ammunition is used, the oil should be removed 
from the interior of the barrel and the cham- 
bers of the cylinder, a day or two after the 
first cleaning, and fresh oil applied. 

In warm weather, when the air is humid, 
arms rust very quickly. If they are not kept 
in an air-tight compartment, they should be 
inspected, and, if necessary, re-oiled every few 
days. Under favorable conditions, a thorough 
cleaning and oiling will preserve the arm in 
good condition for a month. 

If it is desired to store the arms, or pro- 
tect them for long periods of time, the interior 
surfaces of the frame, and all the mechanism, 



146 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

should be carefully cleaned and oiled, and then 
the entire space within the frame filled solid 
with non-liquid grease, like the Winchester "gun 
grease." After cleaning the barrel and cylinder, 
the bore and chambers in the cylinder should be 
filled solid with the grease. This treatment 
excludes the air, and absolutely prevents ox- 
idation. The exterior should be oiled, and 
then coated heavily with " gun grease." Place 
the arm in a dry woollen cloth, or flannel cover, 
and wrap it up in a double thickness of new 
manila paper of the weight of ordinary writ- 
ing paper. Repeat this, wrapping twice more, 
each wrapping independent of the other. Then 
lay the arm in a dry place, where the temper- 
ature will always be uniform, and not so warm 
as to melt the grease. An arm protected in 
this way will remain in good condition for a 
period of two years. 

Another method of protecting weapons from 
rust is to immerse them in oil. The wood or 
rubber stocks should be removed and the arms 
suspended from a rack in a large glass jar with 
a ground glass cover to prevent the evaporation 
of the oil. This is a very quick and effective 
method and is much more convenient than the 
preceding plan. The best quality of refined 
sperm oil should be used. 



CHAPTER XIII 

RELOADING AMMUNITION 

THE factory-loaded ammunition for pis- 
tols is so excellent that little is to be 
gained by hand loading. It is some- 
times desirable, however, to use special loads 
that are not furnished by the factories, and 
such ammunition must be loaded by hand. Then, 
too, many persons prefer to reload ammuni- 
tion for economical reasons. In order to do this 
successfully, considerable experience and skill 
are necessary. The first attempts at reload- 
ing are invariably unsatisfactory and disap- 
pointing, and sometimes result disastrously. 
Extreme care and close attention to details are 
absolutely essential, especially if smokeless 
powders are used. It is much the safest and 
best plan for those who are unfamiliar with re- 
loading to observe and study the methods used 
by skilled persons, and, if possible, have their 
first work supervised by an experienced person. 
Primers — The primers are made of copper 
147 



148 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

and brass and are adapted for either black or 
smokeless powders. The primers for pistol 
and revolver cartridges are made more sensitive 
than for rifle cartridges. If, by mistake, rifle- 
cartridge primers are used, there are likely to 
be many misfires. The original pasteboard 
boxes in which the cartridges or shells are pur- 
chased invariably have labels designating the 
kind of primer that should be used in reloading 
them. 

The quality of the primers affects the re- 
sults to a much greater degree than most per- 
sons imagine, especially in reduced or gallery 
charges. In handling or in transportation the 
priming composition is sometimes loosened, 
dropping out of some of the primers and leav- 
ing them considerably weaker than the rest. On 
opening a new box, empty it carefully, and if 
any appreciable quantity of loose priming is 
found, the primers should not be used for am- 
munition intended for fine shooting. 

Shells. — The shells are generally made of 
brass with a solid head containing a pocket for 
a primer. There is considerable variation in 
the thickness of the metal from which shells 
are made by the various manufacturers. Since 
the outside dimensions must be the same in 
order to fit the chamber, it follows that the 



RELOADING AMMUNITION 149 

inside diameter of the shells will vary. When 
the shell is to be crimped a slight difference 
in the size is unimportant, but for fine target 
work using black powder, it is preferable not 
to crimp the shell. In the latter case the bullet 
must fit sufficiently tight so that it will not be 
dislodged by the recoil of the arm. 

The size of the bore, when adapted to the 
same cartridge, varies a trifle, also, with dif- 
ferent manufacturers. With the slight differ- 
ence in the size of the shells it is therefore 
generally possible to select a make of shell 
the size of which will be just right to hold 
snugly in position by friction a bullet that ex- 
actly fits the bore of the arm. These refine- 
ments in the fit of the bullet and shell are im- 
portant in securing good results with reduced 
loads. 

In pistol and revolver shooting, the shells 
may be reloaded many times with smokeless 
powders. The small charge and the consequent 
reduced pressure do not seem to render the 
shells brittle and unsuitable for reloading, as is 
the case with the shells of many of the high- 
pressure rifle cartridges. 

Bullets. — In the large ammunition factories 
the bullets are made by the swaging process, 
with heavy machinery. They are, in conse- 



150 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 






quence, very uniform in density and size. They 
are packed in boxes of twenty-five and fifty and 
are lubricated ready for use. While very few 
persons are able to mould bullets as good as 
those factory-made, when bullets of a particu- 
lar shape, weight, or temper are desired, they 
must be moulded. 

The Ideal Manufacturing Company's dipper 
and melting pot * are useful for this purpose. 
The best quality of lead in bars or pigs should 
be used. If the bullets are to be hardened, 
" block tin," which may be had at any hard- 
ware store is alloyed with the lead. Weigh 
the proper quantity of each metal to give the 
desired proportions. Melt the lead in the pot 
over a steady fire and then add the tin. At 
this stage add a small quantity of tallow or 
beeswax to the molten metal (about the size 
of a .45-caliber round bullet) and stir briskly 
with the dipper. This will flux the mixture 
and make it flow better. After both are melted 
immerse the dipper and allow it to acquire the 
temperature of the melted lead. Then fill the 
dipper and, with the nozzle horizontal, raise it 
two or three inches above the surface of the 

*The Ideal Manufacturing Company (Marlin Firearms 
Co., successors) of New Haven, Conn., publishes a hand- 
book containing full information in regard to moulding 
bullets, reloading ammunition, tables, and other useful 
information relating to shooting. 






RELOADING AMMUNITION 151 

lead in the pot. With the mould in the other 
hand, turn it sidewise and bring the pouring 
hole of the mould to the nozzle of the dipper. 
Then, with the mould and dipper in contact, 
tilt or turn both in this position until the dipper 
is over the mould and the nozzle vertical as 
shown. 




Fig. 87.— Moulding Bullets. 
The weight or pressure of the lead in the 
dipper is thus utilized to force the lead into 
and completely fill the corners of the mould. 
It will be necessary to mould forty or fifty 
bullets before the mould acquires the proper 
temperature and casts first-class bullets. All 
imperfect bullets should be thrown back into 
the melting-pot. Experience has shown that 
the best results are obtained when the lead 
and mould are at such temperature that two or 
three seconds elapse before the lead solidifies 
in the pouring hole after the nozzle has been 



152 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

removed from it. Do not allow the lead to 
get red-hot, as it oxidizes very rapidly and 
more dross forms on its surface at that tem- 
perature. The dross should be skimmed off 
frequently and not allowed to collect in the 
dipper. A new mould will not cast perfect 
bullets until the surfaces in contact with the 
lead are free from oil and have become oxi- 
dized, assuming a deep blue color. 

Provide a soft surface for the bullets to fall 
upon after releasing them from the mould, as 
they are easily deformed while hot. The slid- 
ing top or " cut-off " should be operated by 
pressing down the lever end on a board or 
table, or striking the lever with a small wooden 
mallet. The mould is then opened, and the 
bullet drops out. If the bullet sticks in the 
mould, strike the empty half of the mould on 
the outside, directing the blow toward the bul- 
let. This will jar the bullet out of the mould 
without difficulty. Never strike the mould 
with a hammer or any hard substance, and 
never attempt to pry a bullet out of the mould 
or touch the interior surface with an iron im- 
plement, tool, or anything that will mar it. The 
least indentation of the sharp edges of the 
mould will cause the bullets to stick and make 
them imperfect. After using the mould, oil 






RELOADING AMMUNITION 153 

the exterior and the surfaces of the joint while 
warm, wrap in a dry cloth, and keep in a dry 
place where it will not rust It is a good plan 
to leave the last bullet (with the neck cut off) 
in the mould until used again. 

The fit of the bullets is very important. 
Nearly all the bullets for revolver cartridges 
were originally designed to be used with black 
powder. Many of them were slightly under 
size and have concave bases which upset suffi- 
ciently, on the ignition of the regulation pow- 
der charge, to fill the grooves of the barrel. 
Reduced charges of black powder, and smoke- 
less powders, even in full charges, seldom up- 
set the bases of these bullets, and the powder 
gas escapes around the sides of the bullet, 
which is known as " gas cutting." This is fatal 
to accuracy. For smokeless powders and re- 
duced loads the concave cavity at the base of 
the bullet must be large enough to reduce the 
thickness of the outer rim of the bullet and 
weaken it so it will be expanded sufficiently by 
the powder to fill the grooves of the barrel; or 
the diameter of the bullet should be increased 
so as to produce the same effect. 

A simple test to determine the fit of the 
bullet is to force it into a clean barrel, and 
then hold the barrel in the direction of a win- 



154 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

dow or bright light. If light can be seen in any 
of the grooves around the bullet, it is too small 
for smokeless powder. The remedy is to have 
the bullet mould reamed out and enlarged so 
the bullets will be the proper size. 

To determine the actual diameter of the bore 
of a pistol or revolver, oil the inside of the 
barrel liberally and then force a bullet into it 
a couple of inches. With a .short wooden 
cleaning rod, hold the bullet in that position 
while you drive against it with another rod 
from the opposite direction, swaging it so as 
to fill the barrel. This must be done gently 
and carefully so as not to strain or injure the 
barrel. The bullet is then driven out and care- 
fully measured with a micrometer gauge. 

Many who mould their own bullets prefer 
to order the mould to cast the bullets the exact 
size to fit the barrel; while others prefer to 
have the mould cast the bullet one or two 
thousandths of an inch too large, and then pass 
them through a sizing tool, reducing them to 
the correct size. The latter method insures 
absolute uniformity. 

For smokeless powders the bullets are gen- 
erally cast a little harder than for black pow- 
der, the proportions being from 30 to 1, to 
20 to 1, of lead and tin, respectively. To 



RELOADING AMMUNITION 155 

secure good results, the bullets should not vary 
more than 1/200 in weight. 

The next operation after moulding the bul- 
lets is to lubricate them. A good lubricant may 
be prepared by melting together i}£ lbs. of 
Japan wax, 1 lb. of mutton tallow, and 1 lb. 
of vaseline. The bullets should be set in a 
shallow pan, bases down, and with a small 
space separating them. The lubricant can then 
be poured around them until it rises high 
enough to fill the top cannelure. After cool- 
ing, the bullets are cut out of the lubricant by 
forcing them into the mouth of a specially 
prepared shell with the top or head cut off. 
Each bullet is picked up in this way and then 
pushed out with a round rod. Any lubricant 
on the base of the bullet should be removed 
with a cloth before loading. An excellent ma- 
chine for lubricating bullets is made by the 
Ideal Manufacturing Company. The machine 
sizes and lubricates the bullet at one operation. 
It is rapid, clean, and performs the work per- 
fectly. 

Powders. — American powder manufacturers 
have no uniform practice in regard to desig- 
nating the different grades of powder, sizes of 
grains, etc. The powders that give the best 
results under certain conditions must therefore 



156 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

be classified. The following black powders are 
best suited for ammunition in which the charge 
is ten to twenty grains: 

American Powder Mills Rifle Cartridge No. 

4- 

Hazard Powder Company's " Kentucky 
Rifle F F G." 

E. I. Dupont de Nemours & Company's 
" Dupont Rifle F F G." 

Laflin & Rand Powder Company's " Orange 
Rifle Extra F F G." 

King Powder Company's " Semi-smokeless 
F F G." 

When the charge is less than ten grains in 
weight, one size finer grain of the above pow- 
ders should be used; and for charges heavier 
than twenty grains, one size coarser grain will 
give the best results. 

Lesmok powder, now so extensively used for 
.22-caliber rim fire ammunition, is a combina- 
tion of black powder with high-grade gun- 
cotton. 

For reduced or gallery charges, the high- 
grade quick-burning shotgun powders are 
sometimes used, such as " Hazard's Electric," 
" Dupont's Diamond Grain," etc. These pow- 
ders should not be used in full charges, and if 
compressed in the shell will give very irregular 
shooting. 



RELOADING AMMUNITION 157 

Smokeless powder differs from black not; 
only in composition but also in the phenomena 
that attend combustion. Special conditions are 
therefore created which have an important 
bearing on the results. Smokeless powders are 
divided into two general classes, designated as 
11 bulk " and " dense," the former having ap- 
proximately the same strength as an equal bulk 
of black powder, while the same quantity by 
bulk of the latter may have from five to ten 
times the strength of black powder. 

The bulk powders may be used very much 
the same as black powder, except that they 
should never be compressed. No air space is 
required between the powder and the bullet. 
Dupont's Smokeless Rifle Powder No. 2 and 
Hazard's Smokeless Rifle Powder No. 2 are 
good examples of the bulk powders. Dupont's 
R. S. Q. is a bulk powder that has recently been 
introduced. It gives fair results in pistol and 
revolver ammunition in full charges, but is not 
as well adapted for reduced or gallery loads. 
It requires an air space for the best results. 

The dense powders, such as Bullseye, Du 
Pont Pistol No. 3, Walsrode, and others, on 
account of their concentrated form, must be 
manipulated with great care and precision. 
The same quantity by bulk as black powder 
of any of these would in many cases cause dis- 



158 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

aster. Special shells with an annular creasle, 
which only admits the bullet a certain distance 
into the mouth of the shell, and providing an 
air space, should in all cases be used with these 
powders. 

Nearly all varieties of smokeless powders 
require a certain amount of jconfinement in 
order to secure complete combustion, and do 
not give good results unless the shell is crimped 
securely to the bullet. 

A table giving the proper charges is supplied 
by all the manufacturers of smokeless powders, 
suitable for revolver and pistol shooting. 
These charges should in no case be increased. 
If it is desired to adapt a smokeless charge to 
a special bullet, which gives good results with 
black powder, the approximate equivalent in 
smokeless powder can easily be calculated from 
the powder company's table of charges. If the 
calculated charge does not give good results, 
compare the penetration of the smokeless 
charge with the black powder charge, and 
modify the former until it gives approximately 
the same penetration as the latter. If this 
does not correct the difficulty, the fit of the 
bullet should be investigated, and possibly it 
may have to be increased in size slightly and 
hardened before the best results will be ob- 
tained. 



RELOADING AMMUNITION 159 

No attempt should be made to secure higher 
velocities or greater penetration with the ordi- 
nary lead bullet than is obtained with black 
powder. Such results can only be produced 
with hard alloy or jacketed bullets, special 
rifling, etc., and in arms designed to withstand 
the severe conditions incident to such augment- 
ed effects. Excessive charges in regulation 
arms, besides being extremely dangerous, are 
likely to cause the bullet to strip the rifling and 
lead the barrel. 

The most recent activity in the matter of 
smokeless powders is the series of experiments 
with the U. S. Government pyro-cellulose for- 
'mula. The powders are cut to such dimensions 
as will fit them for both pistol and rifle car- 
tridges. This powder has the advantage of 
causing much less erosion than the nitro-glycer- 
ine powders and for that reason will probably 
appeal to the ammunition manufacturers and 
consumers to such an extent as to secure its 
adoption, if the experiments now in progress 
prove to be satisfactory from a ballistic stand- 
point. 

Reloading. — Suitable tools for reloading are 
furnished by the Ideal Manufacturing Comp- 
any, Smith & Wesson, and the Winchester Re- 
peating Arms Company. These usually consist 
of one or more combination tools, with which 



160 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

the various operations may be performed with 
rapidity and precision. 

In reloading ammunition the one thing to 
be borne in mind above all else is uniformity. 
No matter how excellent may be the quality 
of the powder, or how perfect the bullets, if 
there is any variation in quantity, size, etc., 
the results will surely be irregular and disap- 
pointing. The bullets should be of the same 
diameter and weight, the mouth of the shells 
of uniform size, the powder accurately meas- 
ured, and all the details in the operation of 
loading each shell should be as nearly identical 
as it is possible to make them. 

Shells that have been loaded with black 
powder will corrode very rapidly if not prop- 
erly and promptly cared for. The primer 
should be extracted from the shells as soon as 
practicable after firing. The shells should then 
be immersed in hot soap-suds and stirred 
around briskly until thoroughly washed. If it 
is desired to brighten them or to remove cor- 
rosion, add one tablespoonful of sulphuric acid 
to each quart of suds. Rinse the shells in two 
clean boiling waters by agitating them as be- 
fore, and then dry them by exposure to sun- 
light or mild heat. Intense heat will draw the 
temper of the shells and ruin them. 



RELOADING AMMUNITION 161 

If the shells were originally crimped they 
will have to be opened with the tool so as to 
admit the bullet without shaving otf or abrad- 
ing its surface. The Ideal Manufacturing 
Company can furnish a special plug, screwed 
to the tool, by which the primer may be ex- 
tracted and the mouth of the shell opened in 
one operation, the tool automatically releasing 
the shell from the plug, thus making the oper- 
ation of opening the mouth of the shell rapid 
and easy. In the case of smokeless powders 
the cleaning of the shells is not so important, 
but is desirable, as some of the powders leave 
a sticky residue which interferes more or less 
5vith the reloading process. 

After the shells have been cleaned and dried 
the new primers may be placed in position. In 
doing this be sure to seat them firmly on the 
bottom of the pocket and below the surface of 
the head of the shell. This will prevent mis- 
fires and premature explosions. 

The measuring of the powder charge is the 
most important detail in reloading ammunition. 
There are several devices to measure powder 
that are convenient and fairly accurate. Those 
furnished by the Ideal Manufacturing Com- 
pany, designated as No. 5 or No. 6, and those 
made by H. M. Pope are the best.* 
* See Gunsmithing, Repairs, etc., in the Appendix. 



162 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

The usual method is to measure the powder 
with a charge cup that is supplied with the re- 
loading tools. A quantity of the powder should 
be poured from the can into a small box and 
the charge cup dipped into it and filled. With 
a thin lead-pencil tap the cup lightly two or 
three times on the side to settle the powder 
uniformly. If the powder settles below the top 
of the cup dip the cup into the powder again 
and fill it, being careful not to tilt the cup so as 
to disturb the powder already in it. Strike off 
the powder in the cup with the pencil and pour 
it into the shell. By measuring the powder in 
this way and verifying it by weighing each 
charge in a delicate balance, a high degree of 
skill may be acquired in a short time. Ordi- 
nary revolver charges should not vary more 
than one-tenth of a grain in weight. 

The charge cup method is preferred by many 
in measuring smokeless powders, as some vari- 
eties, being coarse grained and light in weight, 
are liable to form large voids. Such voids are 
invariably corrected when the charge cup is 
tapped and the powder settles. 

After the desired quantity of shells has been 
primed and charged with powder, the bullets, 
properly lubricated, are started into the shells 
by hand and then one by one the cartridges 



RELOADING AMMUNITION 163 

are placed in the reloading tool, which seats 
the bullet and crimps the shell. 

In reduced black powder charges, when the 
bullet is seated below the mouth of the shell, 
the tool should be adjusted so as not to crimp 
the shell. 

In loading cartridges in which the shells are 
not crimped on the bullets, it is very important 
that both the shells and the bullets should be 
absolutely uniform in size, so that the fit, and 
consequently the friction, of the bullets in the 
shell will be the same in all cases. By reload- 
ing some of the shells oftener than others or 
with different charges, the expansion of the 
shells will vary and the bullets will fit more or 
less tightly. Such ammunition when fired will 
vary in elevation. It is well to begin with new 
shells using the same load in them and reload- 
ing them the same number of times. Even with 
the same charge and under apparently identical 
conditions a few of the shells will expand dif- 
ferently. This variation will, however, be 
readily discovered in seating the bullets with 
the tool. Cartridges in which the bullets seat 
with greater or less effort than the average 
should be carefully separated from the rest and 
not used when fine shooting is required. 

In reloading ammunition with spherical or 



164 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

" round " bullets the neck of the bullet should 
be up, opposite the powder side. In this posi- 
tion the neck is always in sight, and any turn- 
ing of the bullet so as to bring the neck on the 
side and in contact with the barrel will be ap- 
parent and can be corrected. All round bullets 
should be at least i/iooo of an inch larger in 
diameter than the bottom of the grooves of 
the barrel. This causes them to deform 
slightly on the circle of contact with the barrel, 
and creates a narrow cylindrical surface around 
the bullet, securing a better bearing and greatly 
increasing the accuracy. It also insures the 
tight fitting of the bullet in the shell, prevent- 
ing it from being displaced by the recoil. If 
round bullets fit loosely, or if there is the slight- 
est imperfection in the bullet where it comes in 
contact with the shell or the barrel, " gas-cut- 
ting " will result and hot lubricant is liable to 
pass by the bullet into the powder charge. In 
either case the accuracy is impaired. 

When round bullets are used, the lubricant 
must be applied after they have been seated. 
This can best be done with a small brush. The 
brush is dipped into melted lubricant and then 
passed around the bullet where it is in contact 
with the shell. Too much lubricant is undesir- 
able. At least three-quarters of the surface of 



RELOADING AMMUNITION 165 

the bullet should project above the lubricant. 
By keeping the lubricant at a constant tempera- 
ture, the quantity adhering to the brush will 
be approximately the same and the results 
uniform. 

In reduced loads, when black powder or 
" bulk " smokeless powder is used, the bullets 
may be seated so as to just touch the powder 
charge; never so as to compress it. When 
" dense " smokeless powder is used, a suitable 
air space must always* be provided. This is 
necessary both when round or conical bullets 
are used. 

With all forms of conical bullets and when 
using either " dense " or " bulk " smokeless 
powder, in full or reduced charges, better re- 
sults are invariably obtained by seating the 
bullets in the regulation position and crimping 
the shells moderately and uniformly on the 
middle of the front band of the bullet. 

Ammunition for automatic pistols may also 
be reloaded by hand, but there is much less 
economy than in reloading other ammunition. 
When the full charge is used, a metal-cased 
bullet is required which must be purchased 
from the manufacturers. Reduced loads with 
lead bullets will operate in some of the pistols 
only. An overcharge of powder for a lead 



166 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

bullet will lead the barrel and is liable to cause 
difficulty with the mechanism, and accidents. 
Only experienced persons familiar with the 
operations of loading the rimless shells and 
whether or not the arms will operate with the 
charges they propose to use, should attempt 
reloading this ammunition. 



APPENDIX I 

THE UNITED STATES REVOLVER 
ASSOCIATION 



This Association was founded on March 5, 1900, and 
incorporated in January, 1904. It is the recognized na- 
tional organization of the revolver and pistol marksmen 
of the United States of America. 

Its objects are: to foster and develop revolver and 
pistol shooting; to establish and preserve records; to 
classify arms; and to encourage and conduct friendly 
matches between members and clubs in this country, as 
well as with the marksmen of other countries. 

The officers of the Association, excepting the secre- 
tary, serve without pay. There is no initiation fee. The 
annual dues are only $1.00 The membership, scattered 
from Maine to the Philippines, Alaska to the Canal Zone, 
includes all the well-known shots of the country. 

The Association has conducted five international re- 
volver matches, all of which were won by the United 
States. It selects the members of and is responsible for 
the United States teams in the Olympic and all other in- 
ternational matches. It has established the Anuual Out- 
door and Indoor Championship Matches, the U. S. R. A. 
Indoor League and provided suitable trophies and medals. 
It has formulated uniform rules and regulations govern- 
ing pistol and revolver shooting. In the record books of 
the Association are inscribed and preserved all the scores 
in the Annual Championship Contests, the individual 
and team league series, the scores of contestants, shoot- 
ing for rating medals and the " best on record " perform- 
ances, together with details concerning the arms and am- 
munition used. The Association also publishes the U.S. 
R. A. Bulletin, a monthly devoted to all subjects of in- 
terest to the members, the subscription for which is in- 
cluded in the annual dues. 

167 



168 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

The Association is financially self-supporting. It has 
an increasing surplus in the treasury, which is devoted to 
the purchase of new trophies for additional matches 

All who are interested in pistol and revolver shooting, 
and who are in sympathy with the aims and purposes of 
the Association, are cordially invited to join it. Forms 
of application for membership and other information will 
be supplied by the Secretary-Treasurer on request. 

The officers of the Association for 1915 are as follows : 

President: Col. W. H. Whigam, Chicago, 111. 
1st Vice-President: Capt. R. H. Sayre, New York, N.Y. 
2nd Vice-President: C C. Crossman, St. Louis, Mo. 
3rd Vice-President: C. W. Linder, San Francisco, Cal. 
4th Vice-President: Dr. R. J. Mullikin, Baltimore, Md. 
5th Vice-President: Dr. H. E. Sears, Boston, Mass. 
Secretary-Treasurer: J. B. Crabtree, Yalesville, Conn. 



CONSTITUTION 

Article I — Name 

The name of this organization shall be the United 
States Revolver Association. 

Article II — Object 

The object of this association shall be the encourage- 
ment of revolver and pistil shooting. 

Article III — Membership 

The membership shall consist of three classes: Mem- 
bers, Honorary Members, Associate Members. 

Any reputable citizen of the United States is eligible 
for membership. 

Any reputable person interested in revolver and pistol 
shooting is eligible for Honorary or Associate member- 
ship. 

Members and Associate members may be admitted by 
vote of the executive committee and by paying the regular 



APPENDIX 1 169 

dues. Honorary members may be elected at a regular 
meeting of the association and shall be exempt from dues. 

Honorary and Associate members shall be entitled to 
all the privileges of the association, except the right to 
vote. 

[See Art. VII for Life membership.] 

Article IV — Officers 

The officers of this association shall be a president, 
five vice-presidents and a secretary-treasurer, who shall 
constitute the executive committee. They shall be elected 
by a majority vote by ballot at the annual meeting of 
the association, and hold office for one year or until their 
successors are elected. 

Article V — Duties of Officers 

The president shall preside at all meetings of the asso- 
ciation and may call meetings of the association at any 
time, one week's notice by mail being given of such meet- 
ing by the secretary-treasurer. The approval of the presi- 
dent shall be necessary on all bills before they are paid. 
The vice-presidents in the order of their seniority shall 
perform the duties of the president in his absence and 
shall have responsible charge, subject to the executive 
committee, of the affairs of the association in their re- 
spective localities. The secretary-treasurer shall keep the 
minutes of all meetings and take charge of the corre- 
spondence of the association. He shall receive all dues 
and pay all bills approved by the president, and keep ac- 
count of all the funds of the association. The executive 
committee shall have charge of the affairs of the associ- 
ation, shall elect members, appoint State governors to act 
as local representatives of the association, and shall have 
power to accept, decline, or issue challenges by a majority 
vote. Any member of the executive committee unable to 
be present at any meeting may vote by mail. 

Article VI — Vacancies in Office 

In case a vacancy should occur in any office, the re- 
maining members of the executive committee shall have 
power to fill the vacancy until the next annual meeting. 



170 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Article VII— Dues 

Section I. The annual dues shall be one dollar, and 
shall be payable on election to membership and thereafter 
on the ist of January in every year. 

Section 2. Members in arrears for dues for a period 
of more than two years shall be suspended, but may re- 
instate themselves in full standing by paying their arrears 
in dues. Members may not resign from the association 
when in arrears for dues. 

Section 3. The secretary-treasurer shall notify each 
member in arrears before placing his name on the sus- 
pended list. 

Section 4. Any member of this association in good 
standing may become a Life Member by vote of the exec- 
utive committee and by paying into the treasury $25, such 
funds to be used by the association for the purchase of 
trophies. 

Article VIII — Annual Meeting 

There shall be an annual meeting on the third Monday 
of January in each year, at which meeting the election of 
officers and members of the executive committee shall 
take place. Members not able to attend tnis meeting may 
send their ballots by mail to the secretary-treasurer, who 
shall deposit each ballot in the name of the absent mem- 
ber, and they shall be counted as if the member were 
present. Only members not in arrears for dues shall be 
entitled to vote. If there should be more than two can- 
didates for any office, the candidate receiving the least 
number of votes shall be retired at each ballot until an 
election results. In case of a tie the presiding officer shall 
have the deciding vote. 

Article IX — Quorum 

Ten members shall constitute a quorum for the trans- 
action of business. 

ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES 

Outdoor Matches 
MATCH A— REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open 



APPENDIX I 171 

to everybody ; distance, 50 yards ; 50 shots in strings of ten 
shots on five Standard American targets, 8-inch bull's-eye, 
io-ring 3.36 inches; arm, any revolver within the rules; 
ammunition, any; the score must be completed in one hour 
or less from the time of firing the first shot; entrance 
fee, $5; to members not in arrears for dues, $3; no re- 
entries. 

National Prizes: First, the championship silver cup 
(value, $200), to be^ held by the winner until the next 
annual competition; inscribed on the cup, in raised orna- 
mental letters, is, " This Cup Represents the Revolver 
Championship of the United States of America " ; the 
name of the winner, the year and the score are also en- 
graved on the cup each year; to the winner is also award- 
ed a gold medal (value, $25), with the same inscription 
on the reverse side as appears on the cup. 

Second, a gold and silver medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Third, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Fourth, a silver and bronze medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

A bronze honor medal of the same design is also 
awarded to every competitor, not a prize winner, making 
a score of 425 or better. 

State Prizes. — For more than three entries in any 
State the association awards three prizes emblematic of 
State honors: First prize, a silver and gold medal; sec- 
ond prize, a silver medal; third prize \a, bronze medal. 
For three entries, only the first two prizes are awarded. 

Winners and Scores 

1900 A. L. A. Himmelwright 422 

1901 John A. Dietz 419 

1902 Thomas Anderton 438 

1903 J. E. Gorman 454 

1904 Dr. I. R. Calkins 45i 

1905 John A. Dietz 455 

1906 John A. Dietz 444 

1907 John A. Dietz 445 

1908 R. H. Sayre 462 



172 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

1909 Dr. I. R. Calkins 455 

1910 Dr. John R. Hicks 458 

191 1 George Armstrong 467 

1912 A. M. Poindexter 467 

1913 A. P. Lane 467 

1914 A. P. Lane 458 



MATCH B— PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open to 
everybody ; distance, 50 yards ; 50 shots on five targets as 
in Match A; arm, any pistol within the rules; ammuni- 
tion, any; the score must be completed in one hour of 
less from the time of firing the first shot; entrance fee, 
$5; to members not in arrears for dues, $3; no re-entries. 

National Prizes : First, the championship silver cup 
(value, $175), to be held by the winner until the next 
annual competition ; inscribed on the cup, in raised orna- 
mental letters, is, " This Cup Represents the Pistol Cham- 
pionship of the United States of America"; the name of 
the winner, the year and the score are also engraved on 
the cup each year; to the winner is also awarded a gold 
medal (value, $25), with the same inscription on the re- 
verse side as appears on the cup. 

Second, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Third, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Fourth, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

A bronze honor medal of the same design is also 
awarded to every competitor, not a prize winner, making 
a score of 435 or better. 

State Prizes. — The same as in Match A. 

Winners and Scores 

1900 J. B. Crabtree 427 

1901 Thomas Anderton 453 

1902 Thomas Anderton 463 

1903 Thomas Anderton 457 

1904 E. H. Kessler 464 

1905 John A. Dietz 4°5 



APPENDIX I 173 

1906 John A. Dietz 448 

1907 P. Hanford 455 

1908 J. E. Gorman 468 

1909 Dr. I. R. Calkins 464 

1910 John A. Dietz 462 

191 1 Parmly Hanford 466 

1912 L. P. Castaldini 461 

1913 Dr. I. R. Calkins 469 

1914 George Armstrong 476 

MATCH C— MILITARY CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open 

to everybody; distance, 50 yards; 75 shots in strings of 
five shots on fifteen targets as in Match A; each string 
must be shot within the time limit of 15 seconds, taking 
time from the command, Fire; misfires and shots lost on 
account of the arm becoming disabled while firing any 
string will be scored zero ; if a shot is fired after the time 
limit has elapsed, the shot of highest count will be de- 
ducted from the score; no cleaning allowed; arm, any 
military revolver, or any military magazine pistol within 
the rules; ammunition, the full charge service cartridge, 
or equivalent factory loaded ammunition approved by the 
executive committee, brought to the firing point in un- 
broken packages; the score must be completed on the 
same day; no sighting shots will be allowed after begin- 
ning the score ; entrance fee, $5 ; to members not in arrears 
for dues, $3; no re-entries. 

National Prizes : First, the championship silver 
trophy (an elaborate silver bowl, value $450), to be held 
by the winner until the next annual competition ; the 
trophy bears the inscription, " The Military Revolver 
Championship of the United States of America"; the 
name of the winner, the year, and the score are also 
engraved on the trophy each year; to the winner is also 
awarded a gold medal (value, $25), with the same in- 
scription on the reverse side as appears on the trophy. 

Second, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Third, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Fourth, 2l bronze and silver medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 



174 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

A bronze honor medal of the same design is also 
awarded to every competitor, not a prize winner, making 
a score of 500 or better. 

State Prizes. — The same as in Match A. 

Winners and Scores 

1900 R. H. Sayre 300* 

1901 R. H. Sayre 325* 

1902 R. H. Sayre 579 

1903 R. H. Sayre 565 

1904 Thomas Anderton 585 

1905 Thos. LeBoutillier 504 

1905 R. H. Sayre 583 

1907 R. H. Sayre 536 

1908 C. F. G. Armstrong 568 

1909 Col. W. H. Whigam 580 

1910 Col. W. H. Whigam 591 

191 1 A. P. Lane 605 

1912 Dr. J. H. Snook 621 

1913 Dr. J. H. Snook 625 

1914 C. M. McCutchen 627 

* In 1900 and 1901 the military target with a 4x5-inch 
elliptical bull's-eye was used. The bull's-eye counted 5 
and the possible was 375. Since then the Standard Amer- 
ican target with the 8-inch bull's-eye has been used. 
Prior to 1904 twenty-five shots were fired at each of three 
ranges — 25, 50, and 75 yards. That year the other ranges 
were discontinued and the 75 shots have since been fired 
at 50 yards only. 

MATCH D— MILITARY RECORD MATCH.— Open 

to everybody; distance, 50 yards; five consecutive strings 
of five shots under the same conditions as Match C; en- 
trance fee, $2 ; to members not in arrears for dues, $1 ; 
entries unlimited. 

National Prizes : First, a gold trophy, a laurel wreath 
surrounding a scroll, mounted on an ebony shield; (value, 
$150) ; between the scroll and the wreath is a ribbon on 
which, in raised letters, is, "The United States Revolver 
Association " ; at the top of the scroll is engraved, " Mili- 
tary Record Match," The name of the winner, the year, 
and the score for each year are engraved on the scroll 



APPENDIX I 175 

below; this trophy is held by the winner until the next 
annual competition, and is to become the property of the 
competitor winning it three times. 

Second, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Third, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

A bronze honor medal of the same design is also 
awarded to every competitor, not a prize winner, making 
a score of 175 or better. 

This match was instituted in 1902. Being a re-entry 
match, it affords good practice under the same conditions 
as Match C 

No State prizes are awarded in this match. 

Winners and Scores 

1902 Thomas Anderton 206 

1903 Thomas Anderton 202 

1904 Thomas Anderton 206 

1905 Thos. LeBoutillier 178 

1906 Thos. LeBoutillier 192 

1907 Thos. LeBoutillier 191 

1908 C. F. G. Armstrong 194 

1909 C. F. G. Armstrong 204 

1910 Samuel Peterson 215 

1911 A. P. Lane. 208 

1912 Dr. J. H. Snook 212 

1913 C. M. McCutchen 217 

1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 221 

MATCH E — MILITARY REVOLVER TEAM 
MATCH. — Open to one team of four men from any 
regularly organized Rifle or Revolver Club, the police 
force of any city, or any Regiment, Battalion, or separate 
organization from any of the organized Military or Naval 
forces of any civilized country. 

Distance, 50 yards ; five consecutive strings of 5 shots 
each under the same conditions as Match C; arm, any 
military revolver or magazine pistol within the rules; 
ammunition, full charge factory loaded, brought to the 
firing point in unbroken packages; entrance fee, $15; to 
affiliated clubs, $10; no re-entries. 
Prizes: First, the Winans Trophy (a "Broncho Bust- 



176 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

er" in bronze, mounted on an elaborate red porphyry 
marble base; value, $500). The name of the winning club 
or organization, the year and the score, will be engraved 
on the base. The trophy to be held by the winning organ- 
ization until the next annual competition. A silver and 
gold medal will also be awarded to each member of the 
winning team, with inscription on the reverse side. 

Second, a silver medal to each member of the team, 
with inscription on the reverse side. 

Third, a bronze and silver medal to each member of the 
team, with an inscription on the reverse side. 

Fourth, a bronze medal to each member of the team, 
with an inscription on the reverse side. 

This match was instituted in October, 1908, when Mr. 
Walter Winans (Life member) presented the association 
with an appropriate trophy. 

Winners and Scores 

1909 Squadron "A," N. G. N. Y 698 

1910 1st Cavalry 111. N. G 708 

1911 1st Cavalry 111. N. G 725 

1912 Denver Rev. Club 774 

1913 Denver Rev. Club 776 

1914 Denver Rev. Club 799 

MATCH F— POCKET REVOLVER CHAMPION- 
SHIP. — Open to everybody; 25 shots at 50 yards in strings 
of 5 shots on five targets, as in Match A; each string to 
be fired within 30 seconds after the command, " Fire;" 
Arm, any pocket revolver of .32 or larger caliber or any 
pocket magazine pistol of .25 to .38 caliber inclusive, 
weighing less than IJ4 pounds within the rules; clean- 
ing not allowed; ammunition, the same as Match C. En- 
trance fee, $4; to members not in arrears for dues, $2; no 
re-entries. 

National Prizes : First, a gold medal, with inscrip- 
tion on the reverse side. 

Second, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Third, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. , . . 

Fourth, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 



APPENDIX I 177 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

A bronze honor medal will also be awarded to any 
competitor not a prize winner making a score of 175 or 
better. 

State Prizes. — For five or more entries the following 
prizes will be awarded: 1st prize, a gold and silver medal; 
2nd prize, a silver medal; 3rd prize, a bronze medal. 



Winners and Scores 

1909 C. W. Klett 203 

1910 C. E. Orr 202 

1911 A. P. Lane 211 

1912 Dr. O. A. Burgeson 208 

1913 Col. W. H. Whigam 210 

1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 214 

GRAND AGGREGATE MEDALS 

In addition to the regular matches the association 
awards Grand Aggregate Medals to the contestants mak- 
ing the highest aggregate scores in Championship Matches 
A, B, C, and F, as follows : 

First, a gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 

Second, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Third, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

The grand aggregate will be computed by adding the 
total scores of the Matches A, B, and F, and one-fifth of 
the total score in Match C. 

The grand aggregate medals are considered the high- 
est honors in the gift of the association. 

Winners and Scores 

1909 C. Dominic 1187.8 

1910 A. P. Lane 1215.8 

191 1 A. P. Lane 1236. 

1912 Parmly Hanford 1228. 

1913 A. P. Lane 1261. 

1914 A. P. Lane 1242. 



178 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Indoor Matches 

REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open to everybody; 
distance, 20 yards; light must be artificial; 50 shots on 
ten Standard American targets, bull's-eye 2.72 inches and 
10-ring 1. 12 inches in diameter, respectively; arm, any re- 
volver within the rules; ammunition, any. The score must 
be completed in one hour or less from the time of firing 
the first shot. Entrance fee, $5; to members not in ar- 
rears for dues, $3; no re-entries. 

National Prizes: First, a silver cup (value, $40), 
bearing the names and scores of the winners, to be held 
until the next annual competition, the cup to become the 
property of the person winning it three times. 

Second, a gold and silver medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Third, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Fourth, 2l silver and bronze medal, with inscription on 
the reverse side. 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

A bronze honor medal will also be awarded to any 
competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 425 or 
better. 

State Prizes. — The same as in Match A of the Out- 
door Matches. 

Winners and Scores 

1901 W. E. Petty 439 

1902 W. E. Petty 439 

1903 W. H. Luckett 437 

1904 Sidney E. Sears 478 

1905 Sidney E. Sears 461 

1906 Sidney E. Sears 451 

1907 Wm. G. Krieg 454 

1908 R. H. Sayre 454 

1909 R. H. Sayre 455 

1910 Oscar I. Olson „ 461 

191 1 C. C. Crossman . . 455 

1912 Dr. J. R. Hicks 457 

1913 P. J- Dolfin 469 

1914 Dr. W. E. Quicksall 457 



APPENDIX I 179 

PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open to everybody; dis- 
tance, 20 yards; light must be artificial; 50 shots on ten 
Standard American targets ; bull's-eye 2.72 inches and 10- 
ring 1. 12 inches in diameter, respectively; arm, any pistol 
within the rules; ammunition, any. The score must be 
completed in one hour or less from the time of firing the 
first shot. Entrance fee, $5; to members not in arrears 
for dues, $3; no re-entries. 

National and State Prizes : The same as in the indoor 
Revolver Championship, except that honor medals are 
awarded for scores of 435 or better. 

Winners and Scores 

1901 R. H. Sayre 433 

1902 R. H. Sayre 448 

1903 Thomas Anderton 460 

1904 E. H. Kessler 450 

1905 R. H. Sayre 451 

1906 John A. Dietz 447 

1907 John A. Dietz 455 

1908 R. P. Prentys 455 

1909 Frank Fromm 456 

1910 R. H. Sayre 454 

191 1 George Armstrong 473 

1912 A. P. Lane 469 

1913 Dr. C. H. Wilson 465 

1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 468 

POCKET REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open to 
everybody; 25 shots at 20 yards in strings of five shots 
on five Standard American targets ; each string to be fired 
within 30 seconds after the command, " Fire." Arm, any 
pocket revolver of .32 caliber or larger, within the rules. 
Magazine pistols not allowed. Ammunition, full charge, 
factory loaded, brought to the firing point in unbroken 
packages. Entrance fee, $4; to members not in arrears 
for dues, $2. 

Prizes. — The same as in Match F of the Outdoor 
Matches. 

Winners and Scores 

1909 Wm. G. Krieg 190 



180 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

1910 Dr. M. R. Moore 202 

1911 Col. W. H. Whigam 195 

1912 John A. Dietz 205 

1913 Hans Roedder 206 

1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 213 

MATCH G NOVICE LIMITED RE-ENTRY MATCH. 
— ppen to all amateurs who have never won an important 
prize in pistol or revolver contests. (Winners of prizes in 
National contests and first and second prizes in State con- 
tests, all expert shots, etc., are barred.) Twenty- five 
shots at 20 yards in five strings on five Standard Ameri- 
can targets. Time, 30 minutes to complete the score after 
firing the first shot. Arm, any revolver or any pistol 
within the rules. Ammunition, any. Entrance fee, first 
entry, $3; to members not in arrears for dues, $2. There 
may be four re-entries at $1 each, but the score for the 
last re-entry only to count. 

National and State Prizes : — The same as in Match F 
of the Outdoor Matches. 

Winners and Scores 

1913 R. S. Everett 231 

1914 Robert Mills 229 



RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE 
CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES OF THE U.S.R.A. 

1. General Conditions. — Competitors must make them- 
selves acquainted with the rules and regulations of the 
association, as the plea of ignorance will receive no con- 
sideration. The rulings and decisions of the executive 
committee are final in all cases. These rules are for gen- 
eral application, but will not apply in cases where the spe- 
cial conditions of any match conflict with them. 

2. Classification of Arms. — (a) Any Revolver. A re- 
volver of any caliber. Maximum length of barrel, includ- 
ing cylinder, 10 inches. Minimum trigger pull, 2 l / 2 pounds. 
Sights may be adjustable but they must be strictly open, 
in front of the hammer and not over 10 inches apart. 

(b) Any pistol. A pistol of any caliber. Maximum 
length of barrel, 10 inches. Minimum trigger pull, 2 



APPENDIX I 181 

pounds. Sights may be adjustable but they must be strictly 
open, in front of the hammer and not over 10 inches apart, 
(c) Military revolver or pistol. A revolver, or a 
magazine pistol, that has been adopted by any civilized 
government for the armament of its army or navy. Max- 
imum weighty 2^4 pounds. Maximum length of barrel, yY 2 
inches. Minimum trigger pull, 4 pounds. Fixed open 
sights. Rear sights of magazine pistols may be adjustable 
for elevation only. 

(d) Pocket revolver. A revolver having a maximum 
weight of 2 pounds. Maximum length of barrel, 4 inches; 
Minimum trigger pull, 4 pounds. Sights and model must 
be such as not to hinder quick drawing of the weapon 
from the pocket or holster. 

3. Loading, Firing, Timing, and Cleaning. — In all re- 
volver and pistol matches the weapon must not be loaded 
until the competitor has taken his position at the firing 
point. The barrel must always be kept vertical or pointed 
towards the target. After the target is in position and a 
match or record score has been begun, in case of an acci- 
dental discharge or of defective ammunition, if the bullet 
comes out of the barrel it will be scored a shot. The 
timing in matches C, D, E, and F will be as follows : The 
competitor standing at the firing point with the arm 
loaded, not cocked, and the barrel pointing in a direction 
not less than 45 degrees from the target, will signify 
to the scorer when he is ready to begin each string. 
The scorer, stop watch in hand, will then give the com- 
mand, " Fire," after which the competitor may cock and 
aim his weapon and shoot his string. At the expiration of 
the time limit the scorer will announce " Time." Misfires 
will be scored zero, only in Matches C, D, E, and F. 
Competitors may clean weapons in Matches A and B, and 
in the corresponding Indoor Championships, but no time 
allowance will be given for time spent in this way. All 
competitors will be required to finish their scores within 
the time limits specified, except in cases of accident, when 
the time may be extended at the discretion of the exec- 
utive committee. Blowing through the barrel, to moisten 
it, will be considered cleaning. 

In revolver matches the arm must not be used as a 
single loader or loaded so as to use a limited number of 
chambers in the cylinder. The cylinder must be charged 
with the full number of rounds for which it is chambered, 



182 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

and these must be shot consecutively. If scores are shot 
in ten shot strings, the cylinder shall be charged first with 
six rounds and then with four rounds. If the cylinder 
only contains five chambers, then the ten-shot strings may 
be shot in two strings of five each. In Matches C, D, E, 
and F and indoor or gallery events, the arm shall in all 
cases be charged with five rounds. 

4. Position. — The position shall be standing, free from 
any support, the pistol or revolver being held in one hand, 
with arm extended, so as to be free from the body. 

5. Arms. — Any revolver or pistol which in the opinion 
of the executive committee complies with the conditions 
specified in the various matches will be allowed to com- 
pete in those events. Revolvers or magazine pistols that 
have been adopted by any government for the armament 
of its army or navy, or such as in the opinion of the 
executive committee are suitable for military service, will 
be allowed in Matches C, D, and E. Among the arms 
which may be used in these matches are the .38-caliber 
Smith & Wesson or Colt Military; .44 Smith & Wesson, 
Military or Russian model ; .38, .44 or .45 Colt New Service. 
.45 Smith & Wesson Scofield ; .44 or .45 Colt, Single Action 
Army, Webley & Scott Mark IV, and the following maga- 
zine or automatic pistols : Colt, Webley & Scott, Luger, 
Borchardt, Mannlicher, Mauser, Mors. 

6. Sights. — In open sights, the notch of the rear sight 
must be as wide on top as at any part. Aperture or peep 
sights or any covered or shaded sights will not be al- 
lowed. The use of a notch for the front sight will not 
be permitted. Sights may be smoked or blackened if 
desired. Sights on military arms, if modified to suit indi- 
viduals, must remain strictly open, strong and substantial, 
and suitable for military use. 

7. Trigger-Pull. — The trigger-pull as specified in the 
various events shall be determined by a test weight equal 
to the minimum pull applied at a point three-eighths of 
an inch from the end of the trigger and at right angles 
to the pin through the trigger. 

8. Ammunition. — In Matches C, D, E, and F, and in 
the medal competition, where full charge ammunition is 
required, it may be the product of any reputable manu- 
facturer. It must in all cases be brought to the firing 
point in unbroken boxes, with the label of the manufac- 
turer intact. 



APPENDIX I 183 

9. Targets. — The 200-yard Standard American rifle 
target No. 1 (containing the 4-ring), with an 8-inch bull's- 
eye and showing in light lines the rings of the Interna- 
tional Union target, shall be used in all matches at 50 
yards. The scores will be counted on the Standard Amer- 
ican target. The diameters of the rings of the Standard 
American target are as follows : 10-ring equals 3.36 
inches; 9-ring equals 5.54 inches; 8-ring equals 8 inches! 
7-ring equals 11 inches; 6-ring equals 14.8 inches; 5-ring 
equals 19.68 inches; 4-ring equals 26 inches; rest of target 
28 inches by 28 inches counts 3. The same target reduced 
so that the bull's-eye or 8-ring is 2.72 inches in diameter 
and the 10-ring 1.12 inches in diameter, including the 4- 
ring 8.84 inches in diameter and the rest of the target 9^ 
inches by gY 2 inches, counting 3, shall be used for all 
matches at 20 yards. 

10. Marking and Scoring. — In all matches new paper 
targets shall be furnished for each competitor. Not more 
than ten shots are to be fired on any target at 50 yards, 
and not more than five shots on any target in Matches 
C, D, E, and F, and for all shooting at 20 yards; the 
shot holes in all cases to remain uncovered and left as 
shot. Bullets touching, striking, or within a line on the 
target are to be scored the count of that line. The eye 
alone shall determine whether a bullet touches or not. 

11. Ties. — Ties shall be decided as follows: (1) By 
the score at the longest distance; (2) by the score at the 
next longest distance; (3) by the fewest number of shots 
of lowest count; (4) by firing five shots each under the 
same conditions as the match and these rules in regard 
to ties, until decided. 

12. Supervision. — The shooting in all the U.S.R.A. 
events must take place in the presence of at least two 
witnesses familiar with the rules, one of whom must be 
an authorized U.S.R.A. officer. This officer shall cer- 
tify that each contestant has complied with all the U.S. 
R.A. regulations as to distance, weapon, time, ammuni- 
tion, etc., noting same on the blank spaces provided on 
the score cards, and both witnesses shall sign the targets 
and said score cards in duplicate for each contestant. 

13. Protests. — Any person who believes that an injus- 
tice has been done, or who dissents from the decision of 
any authorized executive officer of the association, may 
enter a protest on depositing $1 with said officer. Such 



184 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

protest must be in writing, in duplicate, and must be made 
within 24 hours after the incident on which it is based. 
One copy to be handed to the executive officer of the 
club or organization conducting the matches and the other 
copy to be mailed to the secretary-treasurer of the U.S. 
R.A. All protests will be investigated and passed upon 
by the executive committee, and, if sustained, the protest 
fee will be returned; otherwise it will be forfeited. 

14. Records. — The shooting for records shall, when 
practicable, be done on the grounds or in a gallery of a 
regularly organized shooting association, military organ- 
ization or club, and in the presence of at least two wit- 
nesses familiar with the U.S. R.A. rules, one of whom 
shall be an officer of the U.S. R.A. New targets of regu- 
lation size shall be used. The foregoing rules and regu- 
lations and the conditions governing the championship 
matches of the U.S. R.A. must in all cases be observed 
and followed. The record score shall begin with the 
first shot after the shooter has announced his intention 
to shoot for record; only the first ten shots will apply 
to the 10-shot record' the first twenty shots to the 20- 
shot record, and so on to 50 or 100 shots, as the shooter 
may elect. Such scores (multiples of 5 or 10 shots) for 
record must in all cases be completed within the same 
proportional time limit as is specified for the correspond- 
ing championship match; thus, in Match A, for example, 
the first 10 shots within 12 minutes, the first 20 shots 
within 24 minutes, etc. After finishing the record score, 
the targets shall be identified and signed by the witnesses 
as above designated. The witnesses shall also prepare 
and sign a certificate of prescribed form, which, with the 
detailed score and all targets, shall be forwarded to the 
U.S.R.A., addressed to the secretary-treasurer. If all 
the conditions, rules and regulations have been complied 
with, the scoring correct, and if the score is higher than 
or equal to any previously made under the same condi- 
tions, it will be declared a new record. The score will 
then be entered as such in the record book of the associ- 
ation, and the shooter formally notified to that effect. 

METHODS AND CUSTOMS TO BE FOLLOWED 
IN CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL COMPETI- 
TIONS OF THE U. S. R. A. 

The conditions under which local clubs may be auth- 



APPENDIX I 185 

orized to conduct Championship Matches of the U.S.R.A. 
are as follows: 

There must be not less than six members of the asso- 
ciation residing within twenty-five miles of the proposed 
place of holding the contest and there must be not less 
than three entries in Championship Matches A, B, or C, 
or five entries in Match F. In matches offering National 
and State prizes the same entrance fee includes eligibility 
to both honors. 

On the application of six or more members in good 
standing under the prescribed conditions, a U. S. R. A. 
official designated as the " governor" is appointed by 
the Association's executive committee and vested with the 
authority to supervise all Association shooting. The 
appointee is usually a member nominated by the local 
members. Besides supervising all the U. S. R. A. contests, 
the governor is the official representative of the Associa- 
tion in his locality, and has the custody of all supplies 
and the distribution of prizes, medals, etc. By this ar- 
rangement the U. S. R. A. members in all sections of the 
country obtain the same privileges and benefits and equal 
opportunity to enter the matches and competitions. 

The U. S. R. A. will furnish numbered and certified 
targets and score cards, and will provide the prizes for 
the U. S. R. A. Championship and re-entry events; the 
club or organiation to pay the expressage both ways on 
targets and all other supplies, to furnish the shooting fa- 
cilities and conduct the contests free of expense to the 
association and turn over to the secretary-treasurer all 
the entrance fees for the U. S. R. A. events. This plan 
has in all cases given satisfactory results, because the 
practice shooting of the contestants in the local re-entry 
matches usually affords sufficient revenue to pay the ex- 
penses of the tournament. 

When a competitor wishes to shoot in any of the 
events, he should exhibit his latest membership card (if 
a member) to the officers in charge, and after paying the 
entrance fee, a regular ticket or duplicate score card (fur- 
nished by the United States Revolver Association) is rilled 
out and issued to him, which is his receipt for the entrance 
fee. His score need not necessarily be shot immediately 
after issuing the ticket. Competitors have the- option # of 
shooting in the order in which they pay for their entries. 
Tickets not used are forfeited: no entrance fees shall be 
refunded. 



186 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

The requisite number of targets are issued when the 
competitor wishes to shoot his score. These must be num- 
bered consecutively, they must have the competitor's name 
and the number of his score card written on them for 
identification, and must be shot in their numerical order. 

The targets are usually tacked at the corners on alter- 
nating frames covered with canvas, over which heavy 
paper is pasted. Each target is left in position until the 
required number of shots have been fired at it, each shot 
being spotted and marked as fired [no pasters to be used]. 
When a string has been finished the targef is lowered and 
the alternating target raised in position. After the score 
is completed the targets are brought to the firing point 
and delivered to the range officer. 

When a competitor wishes to shoot his score, his arm 
must be inspected and passed by the officer in charge, who 
must see that it conforms with the rules and requirements 
of the event in which it is entered. Competitors who 
wish to enter in any of the events are urged to have their 
arms examined by the executive officer or committee in 
charge of the matches as soon as possible, so that in case 
there should be any exceptions made to the sights, the 
trigger-pull, or any other details, there will be an oppor- 
tunity to have these exceptions corrected so as to comply 
with the requirements when the official test and inspection 
is made before shooting the score. 

In Matches C, D, E, and F the scorer should have a 
reliable stop watch, so that the timing will be accurate. 
It is well, whenever possible, to have two men time the 
competitor, so as to have an additional check. A new 
target must be furnished for each string of five shots at 
each range. According to the rules, if a competitor 
starts to shoot a string of any score and his arm becomes 
disabled from any cause, those shots which reach the 
target within the time limit after the command, " Fire," 
will be counted as the complete score for the five shots. 
In the case of a disabled arm, the officer or committee in 
charge may allow the competitor to complete the remain- 
ing strings of his score with another arm. Shots on the 
paper target outside of the 4-ring count 3; shots missing 
the paper target count zero. After completing the score, 
when the duplicate score cards are filled out, the con- 
testant takes the duplicate and the range officer retains 
the original record. 



APPENDIX I 187 

All unused targets and score cards are also to be for- 
warded to the secretary-treasurer, with a complete detailed 
account of entrance fees, supplies, etc. 

In the Medal Competition only those targets that ac- 
tually count for medals are to be witnessed, certified and 
forwarded to the secretary-treasurer for verification and 
record. 

In order that the conditions may be uniform and elimi- 
nate as much as possible the special conditions in regard 
to wind, etc., that may exist at the different places where 
the matches may be held, the shooters should be pro- 
tected at the firing point by a shelter. This may be either 
the regular shooting house of the club, or, if the shooting 
is done in the open, by a suitable tent or temporary frame 
structure having an opening in the direction of the target; 
the other three sides being inclosed. The building or tent 
should be large enough to accommodate also the officer or 
committee in charge of the match, so that the shooter 
may be at all times in sight of the officer in charge of 
the range at the time the score is made. A table of suit- 
able size should be provided near the firing point for 
holding ammunition and for the convenience of the com- 
petitor to clean his arm in those events where cleaning 
is allowed. The firing point should be plainly marked 
and sp located as to be at least two feet from any tim- 
bers, guards, ropes, tables, etc. 



INSTRUCTIONS TO U. S. R. A. OFFICERS IN 
CHARGE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTESTS 

Supplies consisting of numbered and certified targets, 
score cards, record blanks, a copy of the rules and regu- 
lations, etc., will be furnished by the secretary-treasurer 
on the requisition of the local U.S.R.A. representative. 
Such supplies shall be used only in the matches, and all 
used and unused supplies shall be returned to the secre- 
tary-treasurer at the close of the contests. The target 
and supply account of the club must balance. 

A governor or other officer of the U.S.R.A. will be 
appointed in each locality where the matches are to be 
held to act as range officer, renresent the association, and 
have charge of the contests. This governor or officer shall 
personally measure the range to verify the distance and 



188 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

see that all the conditions of the matches are strictly com- 
plied with. He will also see that at least one other per- 
son familiar with the rules is present to witness all the 
shooting and he shall certify to the correctness of each 
score and the conditions, by signing the score card when 
the score is completed, and all the targets of each com- 
petitor shall be signed by both witnesses. 

The other duties in detail of the governor or officer 
in charge of the matches are as follows : When a com- 
petitor expresses his intention of entering a match, a score 
card is made out in his name and delivered to him on 
the payment of the higher entrance fee (unless the com- 
petitor exhibits a membership card bearing the date of 
the current year, in which case he is entitled to the lower 
entrance fee). These score cards are to be issued in nu- 
merical order, and when more than one contestant wishes 
to shoot at the same time, the man holding the score card 
first issued is entitled to the preference of position and 
time. When the contestant is ready to shoot, he hands 
his score card to the governor or other officer of the 
association, who thereupon issues the required targets num- 
bered consecutively, with the name of the competitor and 
the number of his score card written on each target for 
^identification. The arm of the competitor is then in- 
spected to make sure that it complies with the rules and 
regulations. The sights must be carefully inspected and 
the trigger-pull tested by weighing in just before the 
score is begun. 

The records for which blanks are provided on the 
score card with reference to the arm, ammunition, etc, 
must all be filled in. The competitor's first target may 
then be placed in position. As soon as the contestant 
begins his score, the time is taken from the firing of the 
first shot in Matches A and B and in the Corresponding 
Indoor Championships, and the entire score must be com- 
pleted within one hour from this time. Scores in Match G 
must be completed within 30 minutes after firing the first 
shot. In Matches C, D, E, and F the time is taken from 
the command " Fire," and the five shots must be fired 
within the spectified time limit in each case and a record 
is made of the actual elapsed time of each string which 
must be written on the corresponding targets later^ when 
they are brought to the firing point. The announcing of 
intermediate times or seconds is not allowed. 

Ten shots are to be fired at each target in Matches A 



APPENDIX I 189 

and B, and five shots at each target in Matches C, D, 
E, F, and G, and in all the Indoor Matches. After the 
score is completed, the separate targets are scored in 
regular order as shot and the value of the shots as 
filled in the score card are checked from the targets, 
making corrections from the targets, if mistakes have 
been made by the markers. After filling in and signing 
the score cards, the duplicate is handed to the competitor 
and the original preserved for record. The targets are 
then signed by the governor and preserved until the ex- 
piration of the period during which the matches are 
held, when all targets, original score cards, and all other 
supplies, used and unused, are to be sent to the United 
States Revolver Association, addressed to the secretary- 
treasurer. 

It is recommended that all scores after being shot, 
verified, etc., be wrapped in paper in separate packages, 
marked with the competitor's name, and that no one be 
permitted to handle and examine these targets after they 
have been scored and certified to. 



THE U. S. R. A. LEAGUE 

The League is an alliance or compact between the 
clubs participating, the details and conditions of which 
vary slightly from year to year, being embodied in a 
signed contract. 

Any locality having six or more paid-up members in 
the Association may apply for the appointment of an 
official U.S.R.A. representative and by accepting the con- 
ditions and signing the contract, enter a team. 



U. S. R. A. LEAGUE AGREEMENT FOR 1914-15. 

Entrance Fees. — Each club with paid-up affiliation in 
the U.S.R.A. shall pay an entrance fee of $10, others 
$15; this to cover cost of prizes only. 

Expense. — The association shall furnish all targets to 
the clubs and shall pay the transportation from the asso- 
ciation to the clubs and pay for all necessary telegrams to 
or from the secretary-treasurer, and an accurate account 
of these charges to be kept by the secretary and the 



190 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

amount to be charged back to the clubs, each club paying 
an equal amount. This is not to exceed $10. 

Secretaries of the clubs where shooting nights and 
distance will permit are to use the mail, others the tele- 
graph in the cheapest form. Results of the week must 
reach the secretary by noon of the next Monday after 
the shoot. The press has no use for stale news. Clubs 
shall pay a fine of $i for each failure to report on time; 
the fines to go into the club fund for expenses. 

Targets are to be sent to the various clubs prepaid. 
Only clubs which guarantee to stay through the series 
will be allowed to enter. 

Shooting Night.— zJZlubs may shoot on one or two even- 
ings of the week most convenient for them, but it must 
be the same evenings each week all through the match, 
unless a change be authorized by the secretary-treasurer. 
Any club may be allowed at the discretion of the execu- 
tive committee to divide their shooters into two divisions 
and have two shooting nights a week. The membership 
of the divisions must be kept distinct, that is, a man may 
not change from one division to another and each divi- 
sion must have its regular shooting night. Matches not 
shot according to the above may be forfeited. 

Teams to consist of five men, but each club may at its 
option shoot in any match from five to ten men and pick 
the scores of the highest five. Qualifications, paid-up mem- 
bership in the U.S.R.A. and good standing in the local 
club. A man may shoot on the team of but one club. 
The scores of members in arrears for dues may be for- 
feited. 

Conditions. — Revolvers and pistols will be allowed on 
equal terms, but both must comply with the U.S.R.A. 
rules. Five strings of five shots each will be required for 
each man. Target, Standard American. Distance, twenty 
yards. Each individual score to be completed within 
twenty-five minutes from the time of firing the first shot. 

Scoring. — Official scoring to be done by the secretary- 
treasurer. In close matches, where the count of doubtful 
shots will determine the winner, at least two of the mem- 
bers of the executive committee shall be called upon to 
assist the secretary in scoring these shots. 

Supervision. — Members of the executive committee and 
U.S.R.A. governors shall supervise matches within their 
jurisdiction, and certify that all U.S.R.A. conditions 



APPENDIX 1 191 

have been fulfilled. Any score not so certified may be 
protested, by any competitor and at the discretion of a 
majority of the executive committee may be thrown out. 

Individual and club ties to be shot off. 

Protests from the decision of any U.S.R.A. official 
may be made in writing to the secretary-treasurer, if 
mailed within 48 hours after the decision has been brought 
to the attention of the person or persons feeling aggrieved. 
Each person concerned in making the protest must for- 
ward $1, which will be returned if the protest is sus- 
tained, otherwise forfeited to the association treasury. 

In General. — The series to begin as quickly as arrange- 
ments can be made. Matches to be shot weekly. 

Targets will be furnished marked for identification, 
and must be used only for the match assigned and for no 
other purpose. For obvious reasons match targets must be 
jealously guarded and their individual identity carefully 
preserved. Clubs may purchase from the U.S.R.A. sim- 
ilar targets for practice purposes. 

Scores on mixed targets may be forfeited. 

Clubs will be classified in groups of four matches to 
begin the week of 

Entries to close 

Fraud. — Any person found guilty by the executive com- 
mittee of the U.S.R.A. of cheating, evading or attempt- 
ing to evade the regulations governing these contests, shall 
be debarred from all U.S.R.A. contests until reinstated 
by a vote of the members at an annual meeting of this 
association. 

We hereby agree to all the above conditions and make 
application to enter a team in the U.S.R.A. League. 
Our preferred shooting day of the week is 

Signed : 

Date: 

Witnesses : 

RECORDS 

The following records have been made under the 
United States Revolver Association rules since their 
adoption : 



192 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Revolver, 50 Yards 

50 Shots: 

April 26, 1903 — J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 458 
Sept. 7, 1904 — Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 465 
June 6, 1911 — J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal., 467 
Nov. 26, 191 1 — John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 

8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 — 94 

9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 — 96 

8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 — 94 

9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 — 95 
8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 — 96 

— 475 
30 Shots: 

April 26, 1903 — J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 273 

Sept. 7, 1904 — Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield Mass. 284 

Nov. 26, 191 1 — John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 284 

20 Shots: 

April 26, 1903 — J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 185 

Sept. 7, 1904— Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 188 

Nov. 26, 191 1 — John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y... 190 

Oct. 3, 1913— A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y 191 

10 Shots: 

April 26, 1903 — J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 94 
Oct. 3, 1913— A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y 96 

Revolver, 20 Yards 
50 Shots: 

March, 1902— W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y 439 

June 11, 1903 — Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, 

N. Y 464 

March 4, 1904 — S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 

95 96 96 95 96— 478 
30 Shots: 

March, 1902— W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y 271 

June 11, 1903 — Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, 

N. Y 275 

March 4, 1904— S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo 287 

20 Shots: 

March, 1902— W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y.... 177 
March, 1903— Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, 
N. Y 178 



APPENDIX I 193 

June ii, 1903— Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, 

N. Y 184 

March 4, 1904— S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo 191 

10 Shots; 

March, 1903 — Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, 

N. Y 93 

March 4, 1904 — S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo 96 

June 11, 1904— J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass. 98 

Nov. 15, 1907 — C. C. Grossman, St. Louis, Mo... 100 

Military Revolver, Rapid Fire, 50 Yards 

75 Shots; in strings of 5 shots in 15 seconds: 

Sept., 1902 — Lieut. R. H. Sayre, Sea Girt, N. J... 579 
Sept. 16, 1904 — Thomas Anderton, Creedmoor, 

N. Y. 585 

Sept., 1910— Col. W. H. Whigam, Chicago, 111.... 591 

Sept., 1911— A. P. Lane, Sea Girt, N. J 605 

Sept., 1912— Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, 621 

Sept., 1913— Dr. J. H. Snook,, Columbus, 625 

Sept., 1914 — C. M. McCutcheon, Denver, Col. 

9988 7—41 

10 9 9 9 8—45 

10 10 8 8 7—43 

10 10 9 8 8—45 

9998 6 — 41 

— 21s 

9998 8—34* 

9888 7—40 

10 10 9 8 7 — 44 

10 9 8 8 7—42 

10 10 9 9 8—46 

— 206 

10 9 8 8 6—41 
10 9 8 9 6 — 42 
10 9 8 6 6 — 39 
10 10 9 8 7—44 
9988 6—40 

— 206 



Grand Total 627 

* Penalized best shot in this string for over time. 



194 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

25 Shots; in strings of 5 shots in 15 seconds : 

Sept., 1902 — Thomas Anderton, Sea Girt, N. J.. 206 

Sept., 1910 — Samuel Peterson 215 

Sept., 1913 — C. M. McCutchen, Denver Col 217 

Sept., 19x4 — Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. 

10 10 9 8 8—45 
10 10 10 9 7 — 46 
10 9 9 8 7—43 
10 9 9 9 7—44 
10 9 9 8 7—43 



— 221 



Pocket Rf.volver, 50 Yards 



25 Shots; in strings of 5 shots in 30 seconds. 

Sept. 1909— C. W. Klett, San Francisco, Cal 203 

Sept. 1911 — A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y. ...... 211 

Sept. 1914 — Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. 

10 10 9 8 6 — 43 
io-io 9 9 7—45 
10 9 7 7 5—38 
10 9 9 8 8—44 
10 10 9 8 7 — 44 



— 214 



20 Yards (Indoors) 



March, 1909 — W. G. Kreig, Chicago, Til. 190 

March, 1921 — Dr. M. R. Morse, St. Louis, Mo... 202 

March, 1912 — John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. .. 205 

March, 1913 — Hans Roedder, New York, N. Y... 206 

March, 1914 — Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, 213 

Pistol, 50 Yards 
50 Shots: 

April 4, 1903— Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, 
Mass. 

10 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 — 99 

9 9 10 10 10 9 10 9 9 9 — 94 

9 10 10 9 9 9 to 10 10 10 — 96 

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 — 99 

8 9 g 8 10 9 10 10 9 10 — 92 

— 480 



APPENDIX I 195 

30 Shots: 

March 21, 1903— E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, 

Mass 287 

April 4, 1003 — Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, 

Mass 289 

Feb. 1, 1914 — F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col 291 

20 Shots: 

March 21, 1903— E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, 

Mass 192 

April 4, 1903— Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, 

Mass , 193 

Feb. I, 1914 — F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col 196 

10 Shots: 

March 21, 1903 — E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, 

Mass 96 

April 4, 1903 — Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, 

Mass 99 

Feb. 1, 1914 — F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col 100 

Pistol, 20 Yards 
50 Shots: 

March 2, 1902 — Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, 

N. Y 448 

March, 1903 — Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass... 460 

March 25, 1908 — L. R. Hatch, Portland, Me 462 

Dec. 1, 1900, — J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal.. 471 
March, 191 1 — George Armstrong, Seattle, Wash.. 473 
Jan. 25, 1912 — George Armstrong, Portland, Ore.. 478 
March 4, 1912 — George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 
10 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 — 99 
10 10 10 9 10 9 to 9 10 10 — 97 
10 10 10 10 9 9 10 to 8 10 — 96 
10 10 10 g 10 10 9 10 10 9 — 97 
9 9 10 9 10 8 9 10 10 8 — 92 

— 481 
30 Shots: 

March, 1902 — Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N.Y. 260 
March, 1903 — Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass... 276 
March 20, 1908 — Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, 

N. Y 278 

March 25, 1908— L. R. Hatch, Portland, Me 279 



196 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Dec. I, 1909 — J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal.. 283 

March, 191 1 — George Armstrong, Seattle, Wash.. 284 

Jan. 11, 1912 — George Armstrong, Portland, Ore.. 287 

March 4, 1912 — George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 292 

20 Shots: 

March, 1902— Lieut. R. H. Say re, New York, N.Y. 173 

March, 1903 — Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass... 189 

Dec. 1, 1909 — J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal... 192 

Jan. 11, 1912 — George Armstrong, Portland, Ore.. 193 

March 4, 1912 — George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 196 

10 Shots: 

March, 1903 — Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass... 92 

March 24, 1906 — John A. Dietz, New York, N.Y. 93 

March 24, 1906 — J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass. 95 

May 18, 1908 — F. L. Hay den, Portland, Me 97 

May 20, 1910 — A. M. Poindexter, Red Bank, N.J. 100 

April 16, 1914— Dr. D. Atkinson, West View, Pa. 100 



APPENDIX II 



NATIONAL PISTOL MATCH 

This match is an annual contest, authorized by the 
National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and 
is conducted under the auspices of the National Rifle 
Association of America. In alternate years the match is 
held at a National shooting tournament, at a State or 
Federal range having sufficient facilities. These National 
shooting tournaments have been held at Camp Perry, 
Ohio, and Sea Girt, New Jersey. At these tournaments, 
in addition to the National Pis f ol Matches, there are a 
number of other pistol and revolver matches with exten- 
sive prize lists. 

Every other year the National Pistol Match is con- 
ducted in connection with the National Divisional Matches, 
which in 1914 were held at Sea Girt, New Jersey; Jack- 
sonville, Florida; Sparta, Wisconsin; Fort Reily, Kansas; 
and Portland, Oregon. 

The following are the conditions of this match: 

(a) Open to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, cadets 
United States Military Academy, midshipmen United 
States Naval Academy, the Organized Militia, the Naval 
Militia, members of the National Rifle Association of 
America and affiliated clubs, members of the United States 
Revolver Association, universities, colleges, and military 
schools and colleges. 

(b) Distances and classes of fire: 

Slow Fire (30 Seconds per Shot) 

Yards 

2 scores (7 shots each) 50 

2 scores (7 shots each) 75 

Rapid Fire, (30 Seconds per Score) 
2 scores (7 shots each) 25 

197 



198 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

2 scores (7 shots each) 50 

Rapid Fire (15 Seconds per Score) 

2 scores (7 shots each) 15 

2 scores (7 shots each) 25 

(c) Targets: Target L will be used for all firing. 

(d) Position: Without body or artificial rest; one 
hand only to be used. 

(e) Arm : Colt's automatic pistol, caliber .45, gov- 
ernment model; trigger-pull not less than six pounds. 

(f) Ammunition: The Ordnance Department shall 
manufacture and issue ammunition for use in prelimi- 
nary practice and in the National divisional pistol matches; 
all such ammunition to be as nearly as practicable of the 
same date of manufacture and of the same quality. 

(g) Sights; No alteration of sights will be allowed. 
The front or rear sights may be blackened according to 
the judgment of the competitor. 

(h) Cleaning: Pieces can be cleaned upon the com- 
pletion of the score. In competitions at more than one 
distance, cleaning will be permitted between distances. 
While such cleaning will be permitted, it will not be re- 
quired. 

(i) Procedure, Rapid Fire; Pistol: The officer in 
charge of the line will command "Load." The magazine 
will be inserted in the pistol, the pistol loaded with one 
cartridge therefrom, and the safety lock engaged with 
the thumb of the right hand. When all is ready in the 
pit, the targets to be fired will be drawn fully down (the 
rear targets being blank or targets of another class than 
those being fired upon) and a red flag hoisted at the center 
target. When the red flag is displayed, the officer in 
charge of the firing line will command " Ready/' when 
the safety lock will be disengaged and the position of 
" Raise pistol " assumed. 

The firing line being ready, the pit is signaled or tele- 
phoned " Ready on the firing line." When this signal is 
received in the pit, the red flag is waved and lowered, and 
five seconds thereafter the targets appear. At exactly the 
proper number of seconds after the target is in position 
the range officer commands or signals "Down," having 
preceded this command two or three seconds by the warn- 
ing command or signal "Ready." The target must be 
fully exposed and stationary for the number of seconds 



APPENDIX II 199 

called for in the match and then must be withdrawn as 
quickly as possible. The number and value of the hits 
and the number of misses will be signaled in the usual 
manner after the score has been fired. 

In case of a defective cartridge or a disabled pistol, 
or when more than seven hits are made on the target, the 
score will be repeated. In case a competitor fires on the 
wrong target only such shots as he may have fired on his 
own target will be counted on his score. He will be given 
misses for the remainder of his score. 

Rules : As laid down in the Small Arms Firing Man- 
ual, 1913, except as herein modified. 

Prizes : One gold medal to the competitor making the 
highest aggregate score, one silver medal to the compet- 
itor making the second highest score, and one bronze 
medal to the competitor making the third highest score 
in each National divisional competition. To be eligible to 
win a prize in any National divisional pistol match, a 
competitor must be a resident or a member of an organ- 
ization located within the division in which the competi- 
tion occurs. No competitor shall be eligible to win prizes 
in more than one National divisional competition. 



APPENDIX III 



TARGET PRACTICE REGULATIONS ADOPTED 
BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT 

(In Effect After Jan. ist, 1914) 

The following is a digest of the target practice pre- 
scribed for the U. S. Army, using the regulation Colt 
automatic pistol, caliber .45, with service ammunition, as 
given in the "Small Arms Firing Manual" (War De- 
partment Document No. 442). 

A very excellent and complete program for target 
practice is contemplated. Chapter IX is devoted to " Pre- 
liminary Drills; Position and Aiming Drills," in which 
the soldier is trained in all the motions of aiming and 
firing, snapping the weapon. Exercises are provided for 
dismounted and mounted soldiers. 

Chapters X, XI, and XII prescribe the actual practice 
shooting with complete rules, regulations, and methods of 
procedure, together with illustrations and diagrams. 

The regulation target practice is divided into two 
courses : the dismounted course and the mounted course, 
each of which is separate and complete in itself. 

The following schedule shows the general target prac- 
tice scheme of each course, a score in all cases consisting 
of five consecutive shots. 

TARGET PRACTICE SCHEDULE 

Dismounted Course 

no. of 
Instruction Practice: shots 

Slow fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of I score 

at each range. Target L. Time limit, none 10 

Rapid fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of 2 scores 
at each range. Target L. Time, 20 seconds per 

score 20 

Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of 2scores 
at each range. Target E— Bobbing. Time, 3 
seconds per shot at 15 yards; 4 seconds per shot 
200 



APPENDIX III 201 

at 25 yards 20 

Record Practice: 

Rapid fire, at 25 yards, 2 scores. Target L. Time, 

20 seconds for each score 10 

Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, 2 scores at each 

range. Target E — Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds per 

shot at 15 yards; 4 seconds per shot at 25 yards. 20 

Expert Test: 

Rapid fire, at 50 yards, 1 score. Target L. Time, 

30 seconds per score 5 

Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, 1 score at each 
range. Target E — Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds 
per shot at 15 yards; 4 seconds per shot at 25 
yards 10 

Total 95 

Mounted Course 

Instruction Practice: 
Dismounted — 

Slow fire, 15 yards, minimum of 2 scores. Target 
L. Time limit, none 10 

Quick fire, 15 yards, minimum of 2 scores. Target 

M — Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds per shot 10 

Mounted — 

Halt; minimum of 2 scores; one to the right and 
one to the left. Target M — Bobbing. Range, 
10 yards. Time, 3 seconds per shot 10 

Walk; minimum of 2 scores; one score firing to 
the right while moving to the left and one score 
firing to the left while moving to the right around 
the circumference of circle about 12 ft. in diam- 
eter tangent to the track at the firing point. Tar- 
get M — Bobbing. Range, 10 yards. Time, 3 
seconds per shot 10 

Gallop ; minimum of 8 scores. Target M. Range, 
10 yards. Time governed by gait of at least 12 

miles an hour 40 

[Note: — Five M targets are placed 10 yards 
from the track and 10 yards apart (20 yards 
apart for the revolver). Each trooper makes 
eight circlings of the track (four in each direc- 
tion) firing four scores to the right and four 
to the left.] 



202 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Record Practice: 

Halt; quick fire. Target M — Bobbing. 2 scores 
I to the right, i to the left. Range, 10 yards. 
Time, 3 seconds per shot to 

Gallop; Target M. Range, 10 and 14 yards. 4 
scores — 2, firing to the right while circling to the 
left; 2, firing to the left while circling to the 

right 20 

Time governed by gait of at least 12 miles 
an hour. 

[Note: — Three of the five M targets (the 
first, the center, and the last targets) of the gal- 
lop stage, Instruction Practice, are set at an angle 
of 45 degrees to the track, and the trooper in 
making the run fires at each of these when facing 
them at about 14 yards range. The firing of the 
full score and the direction of the shots is there- 
fore as follows : Right front, right, right front, 
right, and right rear. In making the left hand 
run, two targets are set at an angle and the 
firing is in the following order : Left, left front, 
left, left front, left.] 

Expert Test: 

Halt; 1 score. Five E targets — Bobbing; unknown 
angles. Range, Syi to 15 yards. Time, 2 seconds 
per shot 5 

Gallop; 1 score; group of three M targets. Range, 
10 and 14 yards; 3 shots to right advancing and 
2 shots to left returning. Time governed by gait 

of at least 12 miles per hour 5 

[Note: — Two of the targets are set at an 
angle as in the gallop stage, Record Practice, 
the firing being right front, right, right rear, in 
advancing; and left front, left, in returning.] 

Gallop, extended ; 2 scores. Range, 5 to 15 yards. 

Time governed by gait 10 

[Note: — Targets arranged as follows: Tar- 
get F 5 yards to the right ; 20 yards further along 
track, Target E, 7 yards to the right; 30 yards 
further, Target M, 10 yards to the left; 20 yards 
further, Target M, 10 yards to the left ; 30 yards 
further, Target M, 15 yards to the right. Two 



APPENDIX III 203 

runs are made firing at the targets in the order 
named.] 

Total number of shots 130 

Explanatory Notes, etc. 

Timing: — Intervals of time are measured from the 
last note of the signal or command, " Commence firing," 
to the last note or word of " Cease firing." 

Targets: — Target L is illustrated on page 91. Targets 
E, F, and M are full size silhouette figures of men in the 
kneeling, prone and standing positions, respectively. When 
"bobbing" target is prescribed, it refers to an operating 
device for turning the targets 90 degrees on a vertical axis 
by means of ropes. The target is thus made to turn so 
as to appear edgewise and flatwise from the firing point 
and remains flatwise or " exposed " for the number of sec- 
onds stated in the time limit for each shot, and "turned 
from view" between shots for an interval of 3 to 5 sec- 
onds. 

Procedure: — In ouick fire the soldier stands at the 
firing point, pistol loaded with 5 cartridges, hammer down 
(in mounted practice hammer cocked at safe), weapon in 
holster, flap, if any, buttoned. Upon the first exposure 
of the target the soldier draws and fires, or attempts to 
fire, one shot at the target before it is turned from view 
and keeps the weapon in hand until he has fired five shots 
at successive exposures of the target to complete the 
score. 

Qualification Scores: Dismounted Course — Sixty per 
cent, of the aggregate possible score of the Instruction 
Practice for advancement to Record Practice and 80 per 
cent, of the latter for advancement to Expert Test. In 
Expert Test, 50. out of a possible 60. Mounted Course — 
Fifty per cent, of the aggregate possible score of the In- 
struction Practice for advancement to Record Practice and 
70 per cent, of the latter for advancement to Expert Test. 
In Expert Test, 13 out of a possible 20. 

Competitions: — In every alternate year department pis- 
tol competitions are held simultaneously with the depart- 
ment rifle competitions at places designated by the depart- 
ment commanders. 



204 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

ORGANIZED MILITIA TARGET PRACTICE 

The prescribed course in effect in 1914 is adapted to the 
service revolvers. Five shots constitute a score. All 
shooting is on Target L. The course is divided into 
Instruction Practice and Record Practice. 

Instruction Practice: 

Slow Fire: Range 15, 25, and 50 yards; one score at 
each range. Time limit, none. 

Rapid Fire: Range 15, 25, and 50 yards; two scores 
at each range. Time limit, 30 seconds per score. 

Rapid Fire: Range 15 and 25 yards; two scores at 
each range. Time limit, 15 seconds per score. 

Record Practice: 

Rapid Fire : Range 25 and 50 yards ; two scores at each 
range. Time limit, 30 seconds per score. 

Rapid Fire: Range 15 and 25 yards; two scores at 
each range. Time limit, 15 seconds per score. 

The rules, regulations, and procedure are the same as 
those governing the U. S. Army practice. 

Qualification scores are as follows out of a possible 
400: Second classman, 250; first classman, 300, and expert 
pistol shot, 320. Insignia badges and pins are awarded to 
those qualifying. 

U. S. NAVY TARGET PRACTICE REGULATIONS 

The revolver practice in the U. S. Navy consists of 
three classes, designated the Marksman's Course, the 
Sharpshooter's Course, and the Expert Pistol Shot's Spe- 
cial Course. Each course is subdivided into " Instruction 
Practice " and " Record Practice." 

All shooting in the Marksman's and Sharpshooter's 
courses is done on Target A, which is a rectangle 6 ft. 
high by 4 ft. wide, with a circular black bull's-eye 8 in. 
in diameter, counting 5, and concentric circles of count 
with diameters as follows : 4 ring, 26 in. ; 3 ring, 46 in. ; 
2 rectangle, rest of target. Target L is used in the Ex- 
pert Course. 

Marksman's Course (Slow Fire) 
Instruction Practice: 

At least 1 string of 6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 
yds. ; no time limit. 



APPENDIX III 205 

Record Practice: 

At least i string of 6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 
yds.; time limit, 5 minutes. 

Sharpshooter's Course (Rapid Fire) 

Instruction Practice: 

6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; time limit, 30 
seconds per score. 
Record Practice: 

6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; time limit, 30 
seconds per score. 



Expert Pistol Shot's Special Course 

Instruction Practice: 

Slow Fire: 6 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds., 50 
yds. No time limit. 

Timed Fire : One score of 5 shots, each range : 15 
yds., 25 yds., 50 yds. Time limit, 30 seconds for each 
score. 

Rapid Fire: Two scores of 5 shots, each range: 15 
yds., 25 yds. Time limit, 10 seconds for each sqore. 

Record Practice: 

Timed Fire : _ Two scores of 5 shots, each range : 25 
yds., 50 yds. Time limit, 30 seconds for each score. 

Rapid Fire : Two scores of 5 shots, each range : 15 
yds., 25 yds. Time limit, 10 seconds for each score. 

Qualification scores are 80 per cent, of the possibles 
of each course. 

In rapid fire practice the timing is done at the target. 
On a signal that all is ready at the firing point, the target 
appears and remains exposed during the time limit, then 
disappears. 

In addition to the above regulation practice, the men 
are put through a thorough preliminary course of position, 
sighting, and aiming drill. 

The more expert men are given advanced practice in 
snap, double-action, and left-hand shooting, also firing 
alternately at targets at different distances and at float- 
ing objects at unknown distances. 

Excellent practical suggestions and information is con- 
tained in Chapter V, devoted to Pistol Practice, in " The 
Landing Force and Small Arms Instructions," edition 1911, 



APPENDIX IV 



DIGEST OF WAR DEPARTMENT TESTS OF 
AUTOMATIC PISTOLS 

The board of officers appointed by the Secretary of 
War (Special Order No. 305, Dec. 28, 1906) to test auto- 
matic pistols and revolvers met at the Springfield Armory, 
Springfield, Mass., on January 15, 1907. The board con- 
sisted of: Col. Philip Reade, 23rd Infantry; Maj. Joseph 
T. Dickman, 13th Cavalry; Capt. Guy H Preston, 13th 
Cavalry; Capt. Ernest D. Scott, Artillery Corps, and Capt. 
John H. Rice, Ordnance Department. 

The weapons referred to the board by the Chief of 
Ordnance for examination and test with their weights 
(unloaded) were as follows: 

Automatic Pistols, Caliber .45 Lbs. Os. 

The Colt 2 2*/ 2 

The Luger 2 8 

The Savage 2 3 

The Knoble (single action) 2 11 ^ 

The Knoble (double action) 2 10^2 

The Bergmann 2 3^2 

The White-Merrill 2 6*/ 2 

Double Action Revolvers, Caliber .45 

The Colt 2 7 

The Smith & Wesson 2 6 

Automatic Revolver, Caliber .45 

The Webley-Fosbury 2 10 

Programme of Tests of Automatic Pistols* 

^ *The tests for revolvers were similar, with suitable 
slight modifications. 

1. Examination of pistol as to design, appearance 
balance, suitability for mounted troops, etc. 

206 



APPENDIX IV 207 

2. Special examination as to safety features. 

3. Dismounting and assembling. The times required 
for each of the following operations : 

(a) To dismount the breech and magazine mech- 
anism, with the exception of the magazine catch. 

(b) To complete dismounting. 

(c) To assemble, except the breech and magazine 
mechanism. 

(d) To complete assembling. 

4. The number of — 

(a) Pins and screws. 

(b) Small springs. 

(c) Other parts. 

5. The number and kind of tools required to dismount 
and assemble. 

6. Twenty rounds to be fired to observe working of 
pistol. The above tests will be made with the pistol in 
the hands of and operated by the inventor or his repre- 
sentative, if present. 

7. Velocity at 25 feet, mean of 5 shots. 

8. Accuracy and penetration at 75 feet; 10 shots for 
accuracy, 5 for penetration. 

9. Rapidity with accuracy; target 6 by 2 feet, range 
100 feet. Number of shots fired to be three times the 
capacity of clip. Pistol fired from hand. Time and num- 
ber of hits to be noted in each case. To be conducted 
by representative of company, if present. Firing to begin 
with chamber and magazine empty, and clips or holders 
arranged as desired by firer. 

10. Rapidity at will. Same as preceding test, except 
that the pistol will be fired without aim into a butt at 
short range, and hits will not be considered. 

11. Endurance. Pistol will then be fired deliberately 
500 rounds as a self-loader, cooling after each 50 rounds. 

12. Velocity Same as paragraph 7, above. 

13. Decreased charges. Pistol to be fired 12 rounds 
as a self-loader with cartridge in which the powder 
charge has been decreased so that the first four will give 
pressure of 25 per cent, less, the second four 15 per cent, 
less, and the last four 10 per cent, less than the service 
pressure. 

14. Excessive charges. Pistol to be fired 5 times as 
a single loader, with cartridges in which the charge of 



208 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

powder is increased to produce a pressure in the chamber 
25 per cent, greater than the regular pressure. 

15. Pierced primers. Pistol will be tired once with a 
cartridge in which the primer has been thinned so as to 
insure piercing. Two rounds will then be fired to observe 
action. 

16. Dust. With the mechanism closed and both ends 
of the barrel tightly corked pistol will be exposed, in a 
box prepared for that purpose, to a blast of fine sand 
for one minute. The surplus sand may then be removed 
by blowing thereon, jarring the piece, or wiping with the 
bare hand only. 

The Magazine should be — 

(a) Empty when exposed to dust. 

(b) Loaded when exposed to dust. 

In both cases pistol should be used as a self-loader, 
and in the second the cartridge may be removed and 
wiped, then reloaded. In case of self-loading failures to 
work in either case the piece will be tried by operating 
by hand. 

17. Rust. The mechanism will be thoroughly cleansed 
of grease by boiling in a solution of soda, the ends of the 
barrel tightly corked and the pistol then placed in a satu- 
rated solution of sal-ammoniac for five minutes. After 
being hung up indoors for 22 hours, five shots will be 
fired into a sand butt, using pistol as a self-loader. In 
case the self-loading mechanism fails to work, the pistol 
will then be tried by operating by hand. 

18. Supplementary Tests. Any piece which success- 
fully passes the foregoing tests may be subjected to such 
supplementary tests, or repetitions of previous ones, to 
further determine its endurance or other qualities as may 
be prescribed by the Chief of Ordnance or by the board. 

General Remarks. During the above tests the pistol 
will be entirely in the hands of the board, except when 
specifically stated otherwise, and no alterations or repairs 
other than those possible on the ground will be allowed, 
except by special permission of the board. If the pistol 
fails in any test the remainder of the programme may be 
discontinued in the discretion of the board. 

In case of misfires the cartridges will be opened to 
determine cause, and if due to the ammunition the test 
will be repeated. 

The board thoroughly tested the merits of the various 



APPENDIX IV 209 

arms submitted to them, and reported in 1907 the conclu- 
sion that in principle the automatic pistol was better suited 
for service use than the revolver. 

The board also recommended a .45-caliber pistol. At 
the same time it was stated that the automatic pistol had 
not been sufficiently developed in reliability to warrant its 
adoption. A service test was ordered, and the Colt's Pat- 
ent Fire-arms Manufacturing Company and the Savage 
Arms Company submitted automatic pistols according to 
specifications. 

Two troops of cavalry were assigned to make this test 
and the report showed that neither pistol had reached a 
desired proficiency. The matter was then turned over to 
the Ordnance Department for further experiment. Both 
of the arms companies were given time to improve their 
pistols under the direction of Brig.-Gen. William Crozier, 
Chief of Ordnance; Lieut-Col. John T. Thompson, Ord- 
nance Department, and Capt. Gilbert H. Stewart, Ordnance 
Department. After a number of informal tests by these 
officers, which demonstrated that the arms companies had 
approached the standard set by the Ordnance Department, 
a new board of officers was appointed to determine which 
of the two pistols should be adopted. This board con- 
sisted of Majors Kenneth Morton and Walter G. Pen- 
field and Lieutenants C A. Meals and Arthur D. Minick, 
Ordnance Department. 

Two pistols were submitted to the board, one by the 
Savage Arms Company, the other by the Colt's Patent 
Firearms Manufacturing Company, and the tests were 
conducted in March, 191 1. The ammunition used was of 
recent manufacture by the Union Metallic Cartridge Com- 
pany, had a jacketed 230-grain bullet, and was loaded to 
give a muzzle velocity of 800 f.s. The weight of the 
Savage was found to be 2 lbs. 8 oz. ; the Colt 2 lbs. 7 oz. 
The mechanical safety of both is convenient for operation 
with the thumb of the firing hand. Time required to 
complete dismounting, Savage 29.6 seconds, Colt 24.5 sec- 
onds. ; to assemble, except the magazine, Savage 5 min. 
10.5 sec, Colt 4 min. 50 sec. ; to complete assembling, addi- 
tional time, Savage 28.5 sec, Colt 12.5 sec The number 
of parts in each pistol was then counted, and found to 
be as follows : Tctal components, Savage 40, including 
four in magazine; Colt 61, including seven in magazine. 
The number and kind of tools required to dismount and 



210 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

assemble the pistols were: Colt, one screwdriver; Sav- 
age, one combination tool (one screwdriver, two drifts). 

Fifty rounds from each pistol were fired deliberately 
into a butt to observe the operation. The two pistols 
functioned normally. The Savage pistol ejected the empty 
shells upward and to the front, while the Colt ejected up- 
ward and to the right and rear. The velocity of each 
pistol was measured at twenty-five feet, and the mean of 
five shots was : Savage, 849.4 ft. per second ; Colt, 828.0 
ft. per second. Two targets of ten shots from each pistol 
were made for accuracy at seventy-five feet, using a muz- 
zle rest, with the resulting mean radii of dispersion: 
Savage, first target 1.97", second target 1.97", mean 1.97"; 
Colt, first target .89", second target .82", mean 0.8555". 

Three magazines full of cartridges were fired from 
each pistol at a target six feet by two feet, 100 feet dis- 
tant, to test the rapidity and accuracy. The firing was 
begun with the chamber empty and three full magazines 
for each pistol with it on the table. Results: 

Savage Colt 

Time 35 sec. 28 sec. 

Number of shots 24 " 21 " 

Hits 22 " 21 " 

Mean radii 7.27 " . . 5-85 " 

The pistols were next fired for rapidity by the same 
persons into a butt at short range and no hits considered: 
Savage, 24 shots, time 16 sec. ; Colt, 21 shots, time 12 sec. 
In all the above tests the pistols functioned normally. 

The two pistols were then thoroughly examined, oiled, 
and fired deliberately 6,000 rounds each, being cleaned 
thoroughly, examined and oiled after each 1,000 rounds. 
Wherever examination showed the least sign of deforma- 
tion it was noted. Each pistol was fired 100 rounds and 
then was allowed to cool while the other was fired, giving 
each pistol at least five minutes to cool. Firing was not 
begun after cooling until the hand could be placed on the 
slide over the barrel without discomfort. There was an 
interval of about two seconds between shots in the same 
magazine when the pistol functioned normally. 

During the firing of the first 1,000, in ih. 29m., the 
magazine of each pistol dropped about an inch, due to the 
fault of the operator. Second 1,000, in ih. 48m., the Colt 
functioned ^perfectly; while the Savage missed fire once, 
jammed twice and had trouble with the bolt twice Third 



APPENDIX IV 211 

1,000, in 2h. 2m. the Colt functioned perfectly; in round 
2,924 the bolt stop of the Savage broke. Fourth 1,000, in 
2h. im., the Colt functioned perfectly; with the Savage 
there was a slight jam and two misfires, the bolt stop was 
upset. Fifth 1,000, in 2h. 6m., the Colt functioned per- 
fectly; the Savage magazine dropped five times, the bolt 
stop was further upset and there were two cracks in the 
bolt Sixth 1,000, the Colt again functioned perfectly, and 
there were five misfires with the Savage, two jams, four- 
teen failures of the bolt to counter recoil fully, and a 
breakage of the bolt lock spring. Minute examination of 
the Colt pistol after this test failed to show any broken 
parts, the only defect being a minute bulging of the frame 
near the front end of the grooves and a slight upsetting 
of the bolt stop where it strikes the magazine follower. 

The pistols were the fired five times as single loaders 
in a recoiling rest with cartridges in which the powder 
charge was increased to give a calculated chamber pres- 
sure of twenty-five per cent, greater than normal. The 
Colt pistol functioned normally. The sear of the Savage 
broke at the fourth round. A new sear was inserted, 
also a new sear spring, broken in removing the broken 
sear. The removal of the broken sear was difficult on 
account of the design of the pistol, and other parts were 
deformed in removing the breech plug. Upon reassem- 
bling, the pis*tpl functioned normally in the fifth round. 
Each pistol was fired in a recoiling rest one round, in 
which the primer had been thinned so as to be pierced by 
the firing pin. Afterward two rounds were fired auto- 
matically. Both pistols functioned satisfactorily. The 
pistols were then disassembled, cleaned, and thoroughly 
examined. Both were found to be in good condition, with 
no broken parts. All misfire cartridges were examined 
and no defects found. 

The shock of recoil of the Savage was found much 
more severe than of the Colt. The experienced operators 
who fired several thousand rounds in the endurance test, 
in alternate five hundreds, estimated the fatigue of firing 
500 rounds with the Savage equal to firing 2,000 rounds 
with the Colt. 

"Of thetwo pistols the board is of the opinion that 
the Colt's is superior, because it is more reliable, the 
more enduring, the more easily disassembled when there 
are broken parts to be replaced, and the more accurate. 



212 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

It equals in these qualities the Colt caliber .45 revolver, 
model 1909, while being superior to that arm in balance, 
safety, rapidity, accuracy of fire, and interchangeability. 
The Colt pistol embodies all the features considered essen- 
tial, desirable, and preferable by the board of officers con- 
vened by S. O. 305, W. D., Washington, December 28, 
1906, except that there is no automatic indicator showing 
that the pistol is loaded or indicator showing the number 
of cartridges remaining in the magazine. There are, how- 
ever, a few riveted parts, and the board is uncertain 
whether the pistol would function properly with non- 
jacketed bullets. The board therefore recommends that 
Colt caliber .45 automatic pistol of the design submitted 
to the board for test be adopted for use by foot and 
mounted troops in the military service in consequence of 
its marked superiority to the present service revolvers 
and to any other known pistol, of its extreme reliability 
and endurance, and of its fulfillment of all essential re- 
quirements." 

This report was approved March 23, 191 1, by Col. S. 
E. Blunt, Ord. Dept, U.S.A., commanding Springfield 
Armory, Mass. 



APPENDIX V 



GUNSMITHING, REPAIRS, RELOADING EQUIP- 
MENT, SUPPLIES, ETC. 

Occasionally a firearm becomes disabled by the break- 
ing of a spring or some other part of the mechanism. All 
the manufacturers carry a stock of duplicate parts and 
any broken or worn-out part can be obtained promptly 
from the makers of the weapon and the replacement made 
with a screwdriver and a few drifts. When any of the 
parts become worn, the simplest and most inexpensive 
course to follow is to substitute new parts in the same 
manner. 

The most frequent source of difficulty is the wearing 
light of the trigger-pull. This may also be corrected by 
the substitution of a new hammer and a new trigger; or 
an experienced mechanic can generally correct the diffi- 
culty with an oil stone. Inexperienced persons are liable 
to ruin the parts if they attempt to do this work them- 
selves. 

The barrels of the weapons after long use, especially 
in the open on camping expeditions, etc., become rusted 
or they are worn out by extensive use so as to require 
renewal. In such cases a new barrel may be ordered 
from the maker of the weapon, which should be sent to 
the factory to have the substitution made and the neces- 
sary fitting and finish properly executed. In the case of 
high- priced barrels, and especially where the barrel is 
part of the action, it is sometimes less expensive to have 
a good gunsmith bore out the interior of the barrel and 
insert a new sleeve instead of replacing the entire barrel. 

Very often the marksman will conceive an idea or 
invent an improvement which will add to the conven- 
ience in manipulation or usefulness of the weapon, the 
reloading tools, etc. As he becomes interested in the 
sport he may want to try special sights, a different shape 
of trigger guard, matted trigger, and various other modi- 

213 



214 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

fications and refinements, thinking they may improve his 
shooting. Without the necessary mechanical skill to exe- 
cute their ideas successfully all such special work should 
be intrusted to a competent and first-class mechanic who 
is equipped and prepared to execute work of this char- 
acter in the best manner. The following are the names 
and addresses of a few of the leading manufacturers 
and gunsmiths, with a brief statement as to the character 
of work that each undertakes and specializes on : 

Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass. 

This company maintains a repair department, 
but undertakes repair, reblueing and replating 
only on arms of their own manufacture. A lim- 
ited quantity of special work is also undertaken, 
provided it meets with the approval of the manu- 
facturers as being useful, desirable, and in nowise 
a detriment to the weapon. All repair and special 
work is executed in the order in which it is re- 
ceived, and as a limited force is engaged in this 
department a delay of a week or more sometimes 
occurs before the work can be begun. In case of 
general repairs the cost of same is quoted before 
repairs are started. 

Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Co., Hartford, 
Conn. 

This company maintains a repair department 
devoted exclusively to arms of Colt manufacture, 
Estimates of the cost of repairs are quoted before 
work is begun. Special work, reblueing and re- 
plating, is also executed in connection with Colt 
arms. 

Winchester Reheating Arms Co., New Haven, Conn. 
Reloading tools, bullet molds, bullets, shells, 
primers, etc. 

Union Metallic Cartridge Co., Bridgeport, Conn. 
United States Cartridge Co., Lowell, Mass. . 
The Peters Cartridge Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Shells, bullets, and primers. 



APPENDIX V 215 

H. M. Pope, 18 Morris Street, Jersey City. 

Manufacturer of the famous "Pope" barrels 
for rifles, revolvers, and pistols. New barrels 
furnished for any of the leading makes of target 
arms. Pope graduated automatic powder meas- 
ures and reloading tools. Telescope mountings. 
Special work and fine repair work of all kinds. 

J. E. Wilburn, 403 Riverside Ave., Spokane, Wash. 
Specializes on very accurate and high-grade 
pistol and revolver barrels of .22 and .38 caliber. 
Fine repair work of every description. 

Ideal Manufacturing Co. (Marlin Fire Arms Co., Suc- 
cessors), New Haven, Conn. 

Reloading tools, powder measures, bullet molds, 
bullets, etc. 

H. H. Kiffe Co., 533 Broadway, New York City. 
J. P. Dannefelser, 19 Warren Street, New York City. 
Carry a full line of smokeless powders for 

rifle and pistol ammunition. 

(Nearly all the sporting goods dealers in the large 
cities carry a stock of black and smokeless powders.) 



THE END 



APPENDIX VI 



ADDENDA AND CORRECTIONS 

Add to first paragraph page 25 : 

The Colt Automatic Pistol is now supplied with the 
automatic grip safety in all models. This prevents the dis- 
charge of the weapon unless properly held. 

Insert before last paragraph page 29: 

The latest addition to the target arms is the Colt .22 
cal. Automatic Pistol. It has a longer barrel than any 
other automatic pistol and is fitted with adjustable sights. 
It has good balance and the long distance between the 
sights makes excellent work at the target possible. (See 
Fig. 17a, facing page 32.) 

Add to first paragraph top of page 35 : 

This model is supplied with an additional safety which 
prevents accidental discharge in the event a cartridge is 
left in the barrel when the magazine is withdrawn. 

Insert after Match F, page 177 : 

The following new matches have been added to the an- 
nual contests of the U. S. R. A. : 

MATCH G — NOVICE LIMITED RE-ENTRY 
MATCH. — Outdoor Event. — Open to all amateurs who 
have never won an important prize in our branch of sport. 

Winners of honors in our National Championships, first 
and second place honors in our State Championships, Na- 
tional honors in this match, professional shooters and those 
who have won place in important matches other than those 
of the U. S. R. A. are barred. 

Score: Twenty-five shots in five strings of five shots 
each. 

Time: Thirty minutes. 

Weapon and Ammunition: Any allowed in Matches 
A and B. 

216 



APPENDIX VI 2\7 

Prizes : National — As in Match A. 

State: As in Match F. 

An honor medal will be given for a score of 210 or 
better that wins no other prize. 

Entrance Fee: First entry $2. There may be four 
re-entries at $1.00 each. As yet we have a silver cup for 
only the Indoor Match. 

MATCH H— REVOLVER HANDICAP.— Indoor and 
Outdoor Event. — Arm, any revolver within the rules for 
Match A. Ammunition any. Twenty-five shots in strings 
of five shots each. Time, thirty minutes per score. En- 
trance fee, $3 to paid-up members, $5 to all other persons. 

The possible, 250, will be taken as a basis and a con- 
testant allowed a handicap thought likely to be necessary 
to make his score in this match equal the possible. The 
fifty-shot and twenty-five shot revolver records of the con- 
testants on file with the secretary will be taken as the 
basis of handicapping. The fifty shot records will be re- 
duced to twenty-five shot equivalents. 

Prizes : National medals as in Match A. If the whole 
number of contestants in this match exceeds twenty, then 
state medals will also be awarded as in Match A. 

A bronze honor medal will be awarded for the highest 
score less handicap if it wins no other prize. 
Winners and Scores 
Indoor Handicap Outdoor Handicap 

1915 — F. J. Dreher... 25 I. B. Humphreys 45.5 

1916 — F. L. Simmonds. 47.5 

MATCH I— PISTOL HANDICAP.— Indoor and Out- 
door Event. — Arm, Colt .22 automatic and any pistol al- 
lowed in Match B. Ammunition, any. Entrance fee, $3 
to paid-up members, $5 to all other persons. Twenty-five 
shots in strings of five shots each. Time of score, thirty 
minutes. 

Prizes as in Match H. 

Each entrant may name his own handicap. It must be 
claimed and mailed in a letter bearing a post mark prior 
to the shooting of the match. 

Scores with handicaps exceeding the possible will be 
penalized three points for each point of excess. 
Winners and Scores 
Indoor Handicap Outdoor Handicap 

1915 — Rich'd Henderson. 75 J. H. Snook 16 

1916 — Stanley Runck 30 



218 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

MATCH J— POLICE TEAM MATCH.— Indoor Only. 
— Limited to members of a uniformed police force who 
must furnish credentials to the effect that they have been 
enrolled one year or more. Five men teams. 

Arm, any revolver with a barrel not more than 4^2 
inches long, trigger pull not less than three pounds, calibre 
not less than .$2. Twenty shots per man. Five-shot 
strings. Time two minutes per string. Time to be entered 
on target and signed by timer. Ammunition, the full fac- 
tory charge for the most powerful cartridge the arm will 
chamber. Entrance fee, $10 per team. 

Prizes : Medals for the members of the first three 
teams. Gold and silver; silver; bronze. Six or more 
entries required to fill the match. Entry fees refunded if 
"No contest." With ten or more teams entering, silver 
medals emblematic of state championship honor will be 
awarded for three contesting teams from one state. With 
four or more teams from one state, silver medals will be 
given the first team, bronze medals the second. National 
medals take precedence. 

Ties will be decided by the fewest shots of low count. 

Winners and Scores 

1915 — Portland, Ore. 

R. H. Craddock 162 

J. H. Young 157 

W. D. Humphrey 155 

L. K. Evans 151 

J. T. Moore 146 

776 

1916 — San Francisco, Calif. 

S. Carr 165 

W. R. Proll 157 

J. M. Mann 157 

T. J. Sullivan 143 

E. C. Lange 140 

762 

Substitute for subject matter under U. S. Navy Target 
Practice Regulations, pages 204 and 205, the following: 

The new firing regulations and prescribed course of 



APPENDIX VI 219 

practice with the automatic pistol are as follows :* 

Each officer or man may fire the pistol course for cred- 
its once per year while attached to each division. 

The firing in the pistol course may be done at any 
range. 

Any target may be used. 

The course is as follows : 

Position Slow fire Rapid fire 

Prone 5 shots I string of 5 shots 

Kneeling 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots 

Squatting 5 shots I string of 5 shots 

Standing 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots 

Total number of shots 20 20 

Aggregate number of shots 40 

Possible aggregate score 200 

All men are eligible to compete for prizes in this course 
once per year while attached to each division. 

The value of a prize in the pistol course is $1. 

When scoring in the pistol courses, in order to prevent 
the markers from knowing the names of the individuals 
who are firing, the name of the firer will not be announced 
by the scorer, but the number of the target he fires upon 
will be substituted for his name. 

Before automatic pistols are brought to a range, the 
magazines should be removed and kept removed at all 
times except while the pistol is in actual use at the firing 
point. 

Under no circumstances should any one handle a pistol, 
loaded or unloaded, except when he is on the firing line 
fully abreast of the firers, and the pistol should never be 
pointed in any other direction than the front. 

NOTES ON PISTOL PRACTICE 

When a pistol is first taken in hand it should be ex- 
amined to make sure that it is not loaded. 

Both the front sight and the rear sighting groove should 
be blackened. When the pistol is aimed the front sight 
should be seen through the middle of the rear sighting 
groove and the top of the front sight should be flush with 
the top of the groove. The part of the target to be aimed 

♦Reproduced from "Small Arms Firing Regulation U. 
S. Navy, 1917." 



220 PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

at must be determined by practice. With most pistols at 
25 yards the aim is usually taken at the bottom edge or in 
the bottom part of the bull's-eye, and at 50 yards in the 
center or in the upper part of the bull's-eye. 

Grasp the stock of the pistol as high up as you can so 
that the barrel, hand, and arm are as nearly as possible 
in one straight line. The thumb should be extended along 
the upper part of the frame. The second joint of the fore- 
finger should be on the trigger. 

Start with a light grip and gradually squeeze with the 
whole hand, the trigger finger squeezing gradually back as 
the grip is tightened, and continue squeezing without a 
jerk until the pistol fires. Decide to call the hold and to 
keep the right eye open. 

If the hits are bunched to one side they can be moved 
to the right by increasing the pressure of the thumb against 
the left side of the pistol or to the left by decreasing the 
pressure. 

Snapping — that is, aiming and squeezing the trigger 
with the pistol not loaded — is most valuable practice. No 
man should load and fire until he has snapped several times 
to get acquainted with the trigger pull of the pistol. Ex- 
pert pistol shots do a great deal of snapping instead of a 
great deal of firing. Steady holding can be acquired only 
by much snapping practice. 

In the prone position the right elbow has excellent sup- 
port on the ground. In the kneeling position the firer may 
kneel on either knee. Kneeling on the left knee affords 
an excellent rest on the right knee for the elbow. In the 
squatting position both elbows rest on the knees. In the 
standing position face the target squarely, or nearly so. 
Stand upright, not craning the head forward, and extend 
the arm to its full stretch. 

A coach should be at each firing point. In addition to 
the general duties of a coach, his specific duties in pistol 
practice are: (1) to stand slightly behind the right side 
of the firer in order to prevent the pistol being pointed 
away from the front, (2) to see that the pistol is not 
loaded until the proper time, (3) to require the firer to 
explain the line of sight, (4) to see that the firer takes the 
proper position and holds the pistol properly, (5) to re- 
quire the firer to snap several times and to call the hold. 
(6) to see that the firer loads properly, and (7) to see 
that the pistol is unloaded before it leaves the firer's hands. 
THE END 



INDEX 



INDEX 



Accidents, ioo, 107, 126, 133, 

135 

Accuracy of Cartridges, 39 
Accuracy of Revolvers, 23, 

46, 50 
Accuracy of Pistols, 29 
Accuracy Muzzle loading 

Pistols, 14 
Adjusting sights, 132-133 
Aiming, 127-128 
Air space for dense pow- 
ders, 157 
Annual Matches, 97, 171- 

180, 197-205 
Ammunition, 37-61, 182 
"Any" Pistol defined, 180 
"Any" Revolver defined, 

180 
Arms, 18-36, 182 
Arguments and Contro- 
versies, 139 
Artificial Light, 66, 118 
Automatic Pistol, 18, 25, 26, 

34, 35 
Automatic Pistol defined, 19 
Automatic Pistol Tests, 206 
Automatic Revolver, 24 



B 

Balance of Arms, 125 
Ballistical Table, 60-61 
BB Caps, 135 



Bisley, 93 

Blacking Sights, 141 
"Blazing away" ammuni- 
tion, 138 
Bore, to measure, 153-154 
Bullet holes, clean cut, 50 
Bullets, exact diameter of, 

60, 61 
Bullets, 44, 149-155 
Bullets, flat pointed, 41 
Bullets, hollow pointed, 42 
Bullets, mantled, 44 
Bullets, soft nosed or "dum- 
dum," 55 
Bullets, self -lubricating, 52 
Bullets, weight of, 60, 61 
Bullets stuck in barrels, 134 



Care in handling arms, 107, 

126, 127, 135 
Carlin-Reynolds tests, 74-75 
Carrying arms, 105 
Cartridges, automatic pistol, 

54-58 
Cartridges, center fire, 43- 

61 
Cartridges, rim fire, 39, 43, 

60 
Championship matches, 171- 

180, 197-205 
Charges, 60-61 
Cheap arms to be avoided, 

122 
223 



224 



INDEX 



Classification of arms, 180 
Cleaning and care of arms, 

143-146, 181 
Cleaning fluids, 144 
Clubs and Ranges, 111-121 
Coaching, 132 
Colt, Colonel, 14 
Competing in matches, 138- 

143 
Confinement of powder, 158 
Corrosion, 145-146 
Cowboy shooting, 137 
Crimping shells, 39 



Franco- American matches, 

79-83 
"Freak arms," 31 



Gallery charges, 47-51 
Gallery ranges, 116-121 
"Gas cutting," 153 
Gould, A. C, 72 
"Grained gunpowder/' 13 
Grand aggregate medals, 

171 
"Gun men," 137 
Gunsmithing, 213 



Disputes, 139 
Disqualification, 139 
Double actions, 126 
Drawing arms, 136 
Duelling, 14 
"Dum-dum" bullets, 55 



Eauipment and parapher- 
nalia, 140-146 
Exhibition shooting, 18, 31 
Exact diameter of bullets, 
60-61 



Finish of arms, 124 
Firing, 128-132, 181 
First Pistols, 13 
First Revolver, 14 
Fit of arms, 121 
Fit of bullets, 155 
"Flinching," 26, no, 125 
Fluids, cleaning, 144 
Fluxing lead, 150 
Fouling, 37, 52, 54 



H 

Handles or stocks, 123-124 
Hardening bullets, 154 
Hat for shooting, 141 
Hints for beginners, 122-146 
Holding position, 131 
Holster weapons, 23 
Hunting charges, 42, 55 



International matches, 79-85 
Indoor Revolver champion- 
ship, 178 
Indoor Pistol champion- 

ship, 179 
Indoor Pocket Revolver 

championship, 179 
Indoor Novice match, 180 
Instructions to Officers in 
charge of U.S R.A. 
championship contests 
187 



K 

Keeping records, 138 



INDEX 



225 



Ladies' clubs, 109 

Ladies, pistol shooting for, 

107-110 
Large calibers, 32, 35, 90, 

92 
Leading of barrel, 134 
League, U.S.R.A., 97 
Lesmok Powder, 156 
Long range shooting, 94-95 
Lubricant, 155 
Lubricating bullets, 154, 155 

M 

Manipulation, 126-128 
Mantled bullets, 44 
Marking, 114-116, 183 
Match snooting, 139 
Matches and Competitions, 
96-98, 138-143* 171-180 
Measuring powder, 161, 162 
Metal cased bullets, 44 
Methods and Customs in 
conducting U.S. Re- 
volver Association com- 
t petitions, 184 
Military arms, 20-26 
Military arms, requirements 

% of, 20, 21, 55, 56, 181 
Military championship 

^ match, 175 
Military record match, 174 
Military revolver team 

match, 175 
Misfires, .22-cal., 134 
Moulding bullets, 149-155 
Muzzle loading Pistol, 13 
Muzzle velocities, 58, 60, 61 
Muzzle energy, 60, 61 

N 

National Guard revolver 
practice, 204 



National organizations, 31 
National pistol match, 107- 

199 
National Rifle Association, 

97 

Night shooting, 65-66 
Novice Re-entry match, 180 



O 

Oils, 145 

Olympic Games Matches, 

83-85 
Opening mouth of shells, 

161 
Organized Militia target 

practice, 204 
Outside lubrication, 41 



Paine-Bennett match, 73 
Paine sights, 63 
Patridge sight, 63 
Penetration, 60-61 
Physical condition impor- 
tant, 143 
Pistol championship match, 

172, 179 
Pistols, 27-29 

Pistol, definition of, 18-19 
Pistol muzzle loading, 13 
Pistol shooting for ladies, 

107-110 
Pocket arms, 31-35, 181 
Pocket Revolver champion- 
ship match, 176, 179 
Police, Revolver practice 

for, 99-106 
Position, 127-128, 182 
Possibles, 92 
Powders, 37, 155-159 
Powder charges, 60-61 
Powder measures, 161 
Practice shooting, 94-98 
Practical shooting, 136-137 



226 



INDEX 



Primer difficulty, 42 
Primers, 147 

Proportion of charges, 38 
Protection from rust, 145- 

146 
Protests, 139, 183 
Pulling the trigger, 129-130 
Pull of trigger, 133 



Q 

Qualifications for shooting, 

Quick drawing of weapons, 
135 



Rapidity of fire in auto- 
matic pistols, 25 
Rapid fire shooting, 126, 142 
Ranges, 1 11- 121 
Range officers, 139 
Records, 77, 184, 191-196* 
Record, definition of, 76 
Reduced charges, 60, 61, 

163, 165 
Reloading ammunition, 147- 

166, 213 
Repairs, 215 
Revolver championship 

match, 170, 178 
Revolver practice, 94-98 
Revolver practice for the 

police, 99-106, 132-138 
Revolver, definition of, 18 
Rim fire cartridges, 39-43, 

60 
Round bullets, 164 
Rule to correct sights, 132 
Rules, shooting, 106, 120, 

121, 127 
Rules and Regulations of 
the U.S. Revolver As- 
sociation, 180-191 



Rust, 42, 145, 146 



Score, defined, 86 
Scoring, 92, 183 
Second-hand arms, 122 
Selecting arms, 122-123 
Self-lubricating bullets, 52 
Shells, 148, 149, 160 
Shelter for contestants, 112 
Shooting matches, 139, 171- 

180 
Shooting equipment and 

paraphernalia, 140-146 
Shooting position, 67-69 
Shooting rules, 106, 120, 

121 
Sights, 21, 59, 62, 67, 132, 

133, 141, 182 
Sizing bullets, I54-I55 
Small bullseyes undesir- 
able, 93 
Smokeless charges, 60-61 
Smokeless powder, 156-159 
Spectacles, 141 
Splatter of bullets, 118 
Sport of pistol shooting, 15 
Spotting, 115 

Squadded competitions, 141 
Standard American target, 

86 
Stopping power, 20, 57 # 
Strain in match shooting, 

139 . 
Supervision, 183 
Supplies, 213 



Targets, 86-93, 183 
Target arms, 26-31 
Target, definition of, 86 
Target practice, 94-98, 102- 
104, 132-138 



INDEX 



227 



Target shooting, 70-85 
Tests, 74-75* 206-212 
Ties, 183 
Timing, 181 
Tin for bullets, 150 
Training, 143 
Trick shooting, 18 
Trigger pull, 124-125, 182 
"Trolleys," 116 



U.S.R.A. Bulletin, 167 
11 " Constitution, 168 
" " League Contest, 
167, 189-191 



Ventilation, 120 



U 

United States Army Medals, 
.199 

United # States Army regu- 
lation practice, 200-203 

United States Army Pistol 
target, 91 

United States Navy regula- 
tion practice, 204 

United States Revolver As- 
sociation, 78-79, 167-191 



W 

War Department Tests of 

Automatic Pistols, 206- 

212 
Weather conditions, 141-142 
Winan's trophy, 76 
Wind, 141, 142 
Winners and scores in past 

championship matches, 

171-180 
Wrong ammunition, 133 



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